Korean J Radiol.  2007 Aug;8(4):356-359. 10.3348/kjr.2007.8.4.356.

Ruptured Epidermal Inclusion Cysts in the Subareolar Area: Sonographic Findings in Two Cases

• Whang IY
• Lee JH
• Kim JS
• Kim KT
• Shin OR

• KMID: 1110735
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2007.8.4.356

Abstract

Epidermal inclusion cyst of the breast is an uncommon benign lesion and it is usually located in the skin layer. We report here on two cases of ruptured epidermal inclusion cysts in the subareolar area, which is a very unusual location for these cysts and these lesions can be mistaken for breast malignancies.

Keyword

Epidermal inclusion cyst; Breast, US; Breast neoplasm

MeSH Terms

Adult
Breast Diseases/surgery/*ultrasonography
Epidermal Cyst/surgery/*ultrasonography
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Rupture/ultrasonography

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 50-year-old woman with a palpable left subareolar mass. A. Sonography shows a heterogeneoulsy hypoechoic mass with an indistinct margin. B. Photomicrograph shows that the lesion is lined by epidermal-type epithelium and it is filled with keratinous material, which is pathognomonic for an epidermal inclusion cyst. (Hematoxylin & Eosin staining × 40) C. Photomicrograph of adjacent tissue (box in B) reveals inflammatory infiltrate cells or a foreign body reaction. (Hematoxylin & Eosin staining × 100)

• 

  Fig. 2 A 44-year-old woman with periareolar pain of the left breast. A-D. The initial mediolateral oblique mammogram shows asymmetry of the left subareolar area, periareolar skin thickening and axillary lymphadenopathy (A), and the initial sonography shows a heterogeneous mass with peripherally increased vascular flow (B). About one year after medical treatment, the mass disappeared on sonography with a remaining Ill defined low echoic subareolar portion (C). The discrete subareolar mass was again noted seven months later on sonography when she revisited the hospital with a heat sensation and tenderness (D).

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