An unusual case of a large fibroepithelial stromal polyp presenting as a nipple mass.
BACKGROUND
Fibroepithelial stromal polyps (FESP) are benign lesions that typically occur in the genital area and are known to represent a diagnostic challenge for pathologists. Not only do they have a spectrum of morphological changes that ranges from bland morphology to rather atypical appearances, but they also share morphological features with a number of benign and malignant lesions.This is a report of a rare presentation of a FESP of the breast.


METHODS
We describe an unusual case of a large polypoid mass arising from the nipple and connected to it by a long pedicle in a female of 45. The lesion comprised spindle and stellate shaped cells with bizarre stromal giant cells. The morphological and immunohistochemical diagnostic features are provided together with a discussion of possible mimics.


CONCLUSIONS
FESPs may occur in the female breast. It is important to differentiate the lesion from other benign and malignant spindle cell lesions particularly metaplastic carcinoma.
Department of Histopathology and Molecular Pathology, St James's University Hospital, Level 5 Bexley Wing, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK. abeer.shaaban@leedsth.nhs.uk.
Abeer M
AM
Shaaban
E P L
EP
Turton
William
W
Merchant
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018225:Neoplasms, Fibroepithelial / Q000175:diagnosis; D009558:Nipples / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011127:Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology