The nipple-areolar complex: anatomy, methods and pathologic findings, between senologist and dermatologist

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to show the ultrasonography findings of normal variants and benign and malignant diseases that affect the nipple-areolar complex. Many of which have unspecific clinical and radiological presentations that can present a challenge for medical specialists. Experienced specialists need to know the different imaging modalities used to study the nipple-areolar complex and the aspect not exactly senology, as well as dermatologist who approach the ultrasound must know the anatomy of this complex area. We will show you a combined clinical and radiological approach to evaluate the nipple-areolar complex, the findings for the normal morphology and the most common benign and malignant diseases that can affect this region. We discuss the characteristics of the different ultrasonography findings and provide guidance on how to avoid artifacts and pitfalls.

Keywords: Breast disease; Montgomery gland’s abscess; Nipple; Nipple adenoma; Nipple ductal carcinoma in situ; Nipple-areolar complex; Paget’s disease; Sonography; Zuska’s disease.