NODULAR HIDRADENOMA OF THE BREAST - REPORT OF 2 CASES WITH LITERATURE-REVIEW

Two cases of nodular hidradenoma of the breast with possibly different origins are reported. Case 1 is of a 58-year-old female with a breast mass in the left, outer lower-quadrant. A histogenetical origin in th e skin adnexal glands was suspected due to its superficial location an d immunohistochemical findings. Case 2 is of a 44-year-old male with a subareolar nodule and nipple discharge. Histological examination demo nstrated that the tumor was located deep in the breast tissue, was sur rounded by dilated mammary ducts and exhibited intraductal extensions, which are all features mimicking those of breast cancer. Immunohistoc hemical positivity against gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 was w eakly identified and negativity for endoplasmic reticulum was observed . This case can be interpreted as arising in the mammary ducts. It is well known that various kinds of skin adnexal tumors arise in the brea st tissue; however, nodular hidradenoma of the breast is still a rare benign neoplasm. Clinically, nodular hidradenoma of the breast tends t o occur in the nipple or subareolar region of the female breast. It sh ould be kept in mind that nodular hidradenoma may occur in mammary duc ts and it should be included when differential diagnoses are made of s ubareolar breast tumors.