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

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

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