Bilateral clear cell acanthoma of the areola and nipple: good response to topical corticosteroids

An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(5 Suppl 1):27-29. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175683.

Abstract

Clear cell acanthoma is a rare, epidermal tumor not common in the area of the nipples; indeed, the literature describes only 8 cases, all showing unilateral presentation. We here report the first case of bilateral clear cell acanthoma with good response to topical corticosteroids.

Case report: A sixteen-year old girl presented with 2 excrescent, fleshy, and exudative tumor masses in both nipples and areola mammae. A biopsy was conducted and confirmed clear cell acanthoma histopathologically. Treatment with strong corticosteroids resulted in rapid improvement and resolution. After one year of follow-up, the patient developed atopic dermatitis.

Discussion: We describe the first case of bilateral clear cell acanthoma localized in the nipple/areola that resolved with powerful corticosteroids, suggesting a reactive etiology of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acanthoma* / drug therapy
  • Acanthoma* / pathology
  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy
  • Clobetasol / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary* / pathology
  • Nipples* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Clobetasol