Basal cell carcinoma of the nipple: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: The nipple is an extremely unusual location for basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Objective: To report a case of BCC originating on the areola and nipple region in a 47-year-old Dominican woman treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).

Methods: We discuss a case of BCC originating on the areola and nipple region treated with MMS and review the literature regarding treatment of BCC of the nipple.

Results: BCCs of the nipple occur rarely, with a total of 19 cases reported in the literature, 6 of which occurred in females. While many of the reported cases were treated with simple excision, several of these required postoperative radiation therapy and/or mastectomy due to their large size and aggressive nature.

Conclusion: MMS should be considered for treating BCCs at this site as a tissue-sparing measure to minimize deformity of this important anatomic area and to minimize the risk of recurrence.