Benign Melanosis of the Nipple and Areola During Pregnancy: A Case Report


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Daye M., Dallıgül Ş., Kılınç F., Heper A. O.

Turkish Journal of Dermatology, vol.20, no.1, pp.45-47, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.4274/tjd.galenos.2026.20591
  • Journal Name: Turkish Journal of Dermatology
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), CINAHL, EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.45-47
  • Keywords: areolar pigmentation, Benign melanosis of the nipple and areola, dermoscopic features, melanoma in situ, pregnancy, vitiligo
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Benign melanosis of the nipple and areola is a rare pigmentary disorder that may clinically mimic malignant melanoma and pigmented Paget’s disease, particularly during pregnancy. We report a 30-year-old woman at 28 weeks’ gestation who presented with bilaterally asymmetric, heterogeneously hyperpigmented macules on the nipples and areolae. Dermoscopy revealed a prominent and regular pigment network with heterogeneous light- and dark-brown coloration. Multiple punch biopsies were performed to exclude melanoma in situ. Histopathological examination showed irregular acanthosis and increased basal layer pigmentation without melanocytic atypia. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated scattered MART-1– and HMB-45–positive melanocytes without an increase in number, supporting the diagnosis of benign melanosis of the nipple and areola. The coexistence of vitiligo represents a rare and noteworthy feature of this case. This report emphasizes the importance of histopathological evaluation in differentiating benign melanosis from malignant pigmented lesions in pregnant patients.