Pemphigus Vulgaris Mimicking Paget's Disease of the Breast

Abstract

We report the development of an ulcerative skin lesion involving the areola of a 37-year-old woman. Clinically the lesion was compatible with Paget's disease, however, histologic evaluation identified pemphigus vulgaris. Differences in the presentation and treatment of these two entities are highlighted. The underlying role of plasminogen activator in the molecular pathology of both diseases is discussed.

Sacral Dimple, Conjunctiva, and Nipple as Less Obvious Pemphigus Vulgaris Locations around Natural Body Orifices: A Report of Three Cases

“…The patient did report wearing a tight bra frequently which could cause mechanical stress pemphigus. Guyton et al, examined a development of the ambiguous skin lesion involving the areola of a 37-year-old woman [ 27 ]. Clinically the lesion was compatible with Paget’s disease; however, a histological evaluation identified features of PV [ 27 ].…”

“…Guyton et al, examined a development of the ambiguous skin lesion involving the areola of a 37-year-old woman [ 27 ]. Clinically the lesion was compatible with Paget’s disease; however, a histological evaluation identified features of PV [ 27 ]. The underlying role of plasminogen activator in the molecular pathology of both diseases was discussed [ 27 ].…”

“…Clinically the lesion was compatible with Paget’s disease; however, a histological evaluation identified features of PV [ 27 ]. The underlying role of plasminogen activator in the molecular pathology of both diseases was discussed [ 27 ]. In this respect, malignant keratinocytes exhibit altered DSG 2 and DSG 3 expression patterns, the proteins targeted by pemphigus autoimmunity [ 28 ].…”