Histopathology of the breast mucocele-like lesion

Objective To analysis the histopathologic characteristics of the breast mucocele-like lesions (MLL) and to review the related literatures. Methods We analyzed the clinical and pathological features of 8 cases of breast MLL, and organize chemical AB and PAS staining as well as SP method for AE1/AE3, P63 and c-erbB-2 immunohistochemical staining. Results Eight cases of MLL patients were females with average age of 39 years. Seven cases presented with palpable masses and located in the unilateral breast. Grossly, lesions were polycystic, sticky jelly-like aspect. Histologically, MLL could be seen expansion of multi-cystic changes filled with mucus. Cysts lined with flat or cuboidal epithelium. The lining epithelium had papillary hyperplasia (2 cases) or atypical hyperplasia (1 case). Extravasated mucinous lakes were seen in the stroma without cellular component. Conclusions Breast mucocele-like lesion was a benign proliferative lesion and differentiated from mucinous adenocarcinoma. It was necessary to conduct regular follow-up patients with MLL.