title: Pigmented Basal cell carcinoma of the nipple-areola complex in an elderly woman.
abstract: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which frequently occurs in sun-exposed areas of the head and neck region, is the most common cutaneous malignancy. The nipple-areola complex (NAC) is an uncommon site for BCC to develop. BCCs in this region display more aggressive behavior and a greater potential to spread than when found in other anatomical sites. This paper outlines the case of 67-year-old female with a solitary asymptomatic black plaque on the right areola. The lesion was initially recognized as Paget's disease of the nipple by a general surgeon. However, the histopathological features showed a tumor mass of basaloid cells, a peripheral palisading arrangement and scattered pigment granules. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with pigmented BCC of the NAC and was referred to the department of dermatology. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed the absence of distant metastasis. A wide excision was done. The lesion resolved without recurrence or metastasis during 14 months of follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Han Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Jae Hun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jun
authors.forename: Ho Youn
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seok-Jong
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Do Won
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Weon Ju
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jin Hyang
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jung