Eczematoid clear cell acanthoma of the nipple/areola: the first case reported in China and literature analysis / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate clinical manifestations, pathological features and diagnosis of eczematoid clear cell acanthoma of the nipple/areola.Methods:The clinical manifestations, histopathological features, special staining results and immunohistochemical features of a case of eczemtoid clear cell acanthoma of the nipple/areola firstly reported in China were analyzed, and compared with those of similar cases in foreign literature.Results:The female patient presented with recurrent pruritic rashes on the left nipple and areola for over 2 years. Skin examination showed hypertrophic skin on the left nipple and areola, and scattered erythema, hypopigmented macules and hyperpigmented macules on the areola, which were covered with a few crusts and scales. Histopathological examination of the skin lesions showed focal epidermal crusts and scales, focal parakeratosis, extended and fused rete ridges, thickened spinous layer, focal spongiosis, clear cell clumps in the spinous cell layer, telangiectasia in the superficial dermis, with infiltration of a few eosinophils and neutrophils. Periodic acid-Schiff staining showed positive results, and immunohistochemical staining revealed positive reaction for epithelial membrane antigen. Topical treatment with triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream was effective, and topical application of 3% boric acid solution could alleviate exudation. During the 6-month follow-up, the patient experienced intermittent recurrence twice, and responded well to the above treatment.Conclusions:Eczematoid clear cell acanthoma of the nipple/areola has unique clinical and pathological features, revealing that it′s a new subtype of clear cell acanthoma. Pathological examination is the gold standard for its diagnosis.