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DOI: 10.1055/a-2544-9254
The Interesting Case

A Rare Case of a Syringomatous Tumour of the Nipple in which Contrast Enhancement and Diffusion Restriction in Breast MRI Mimic Malignancy

Ein seltener Fall eines syringomatösen Tumors in der Brustwarze mit Kontrastverstärkung und Diffusionsbeschränkung im Brust-MRT, der eine Malignität vortäuscht

Authors

  • Defne Şahin

    1   Radiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Türkye (Ringgold ID: RIN221265)

  • Hafize Otcu Temur

    1   Radiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Türkye (Ringgold ID: RIN221265)

  • Can Yılmaz Yozgat 

    2   Radiology, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkye (Ringgold ID: RIN52981)

  • Mehmet Nuri Belge

    1   Radiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Türkye (Ringgold ID: RIN221265)

  • Şeyma Yıldız

    1   Radiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Türkye (Ringgold ID: RIN221265)
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Introduction

Syringomatous tumour (ST) is an infrequent neoplasm typically manifesting as a lump in a single breast, located on the nipple or subareolar region, initially documented by Rosen in 1983 [1]. ST resembles syringoma, a neoplasm of eccrine duct origin, and may arise from a pluripotential adnexal keratinocyte capable of differentiating into both follicular and sweat gland types [2]. ST is a locally invasive lesion that can recur if not completely removed; however, it could not spread throughout the body. Owing to its distinctive microscopic characteristics, ST is sometimes misclassified as tubular carcinoma; nevertheless, the basement membrane and myoepithelial cells can aid in differentiating ST from tubular carcinoma. In certain documented instances, ST may manifest with nipple discharge, erythema, and crusting, and the clinical characteristics of the syndrome facilitate the differentiation of ST from Paget’s disease [3]. Complete excision of ST is crucial to prevent local recurrences. While benign, ST is locally aggressive and can mimic breast cancer in clinical and radiological findings [4]. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman who presented to the Department of General Surgery with a complaint of problems in her left breast. Because of our holistic radiological approach, which included breast MRI, MMG, and U/S, the patient was diagnosed correctly and treated accordingly. This case report underscores the importance of a comprehensive radiological approach in the evaluation of breast lesions, particularly in the context of rare conditions such as a syringomatous nipple lesion, which mimicked malignancy.



Publication History

Received: 02 June 2025

Accepted after revision: 02 January 2026

Article published online:
06 February 2026

© 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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