Toker cells of the nipple are commonly associated with underlying sebaceous glands but not with lactiferous ducts

Abstract

This study suggests that Toker cells are more likely to be developmentally related to sebaceous glands rather than lactiferous ducts. This raises doubts about the presence of a relationship between Toker cells and the common forms of Paget's disease, as the latter are commonly seen in association with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) involving underlying lactiferous ducts. Toker cells, however, may be related to a less common form of Paget's disease which is not associated with underlying DCIS.

Toker cell hyperplasia in Zuska disease: A tricky association

“…A physical relationship has been suggested between TCs and the folliculo‐sebaceous‐apocrine unit, studied by horizontal and transversal sections of the nipple, and supported by their immunophenotype; rather than lactiferous ducts 11 . These findings would also support TCs as potential precursors of the rare forms of mammary PD not associated with underlying ductal carcinoma 12 …”

“…11 These findings would also support TCs as potential precursors of the rare forms of mammary PD not associated with underlying ductal carcinoma. 12 The relationship between Zuska disease and TC hyperplasia has not been established. Clinically, TC hyperplasia is not related to any abnormality in the physical examination, and its diagnosis should be backed up by the absence of typical clinical signs of mammary PD (eczematous appearance of the nipple with inflammatory local changes).…”

“…11 These findings would also support TCs as potential precursors of the rare forms of mammary PD not associated with underlying ductal carcinoma. 12 The relationship between Zuska disease and TC hyperplasia has not been established. The chronic inflammation determined by Zuska disease could act as a local trigger for TC proliferation, leading ultimately to TC hyperplasia.…”

Unilateral nipple erosion with acantholysis

“…These cells do not have cytological atypia and are not restricted to the basal part of the epidermis. On IHC, these are CK‐7 and EMA positive and negative for p53 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) …”

Anatomia chirurgiczna gruczołu piersiowego. Budowa ogólna, embriogeneza, histologia, kompleks brodawkowo-otoczkowy, powięzie tkanki gruczołowej i ściany klatki piersiowej. Część pierwsza.

“…Within the stroma, one can find multi-nucleus giant cells that may raise concern for oncological reasons, but their clinical significance has not been proven [17,18]. Lymph nodes may also be found inside nipples -most often they are incidentally diagnosed during a histological examination of a removed breast.…”