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The Diagnosis: Primary Syphilitic Chancre of the Nipple
Because laboratory investigation was negative, a primary syphilitic chancre was suspected based on clinical findings, which was confirmed by a positive rapid plasma reagin with a titer of 1:32 and a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay. Results were negative for human immunodeficiency virus. On further inquiry, the patient acknowledged that the right areola had been traumatized during sexual activity with his regular male partner 1 month prior. In the last year he reported having had 5 different male partners. He was treated with a single dose of 2.4 million IU of intramuscular benzathine penicillin. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections revealed concomitant gonococcal infection of the pharynx and chlamydia proctitis, both of which were subsequently treated. On follow-up 2 weeks after presentation the ulcer had resolved, and he currently is undergoing serial rapid plasma reagin titer monitoring.
Primary syphilitic chancres can occur at any mucocutaneous site of inoculation, most frequently on the genitalia.1 Classically, after an incubation period of 9 to 90 days, a painless indurated ulcer forms2 and heals spontaneously after 3 to 6 weeks if left untreated.3 Chancres at extragenital sites are uncommon, occurring in approximately 2% of patients with primary syphilis.1 Of them, common sites include the lips and mouth (40%-70%),4 with areolar involvement rarely being reported. A PubMed search of articles indexed for MEDLINE using the terms nipple and chancre revealed 9 case reports in the English-language literature, with the first 2 cases being reported by Lee et al5 in 2006. The characteristics of these cases and our patient are summarized in the Table.5-12
Oral contact or traumatization of the nipple by the patient's sexual partner was reported in all but one of these cases5-10,12; trauma was unknown in one case.11 Our patient reported a similar history of trauma to the nipple. It is known that transmission of syphilis can take place via kissing or oral contact, and it has been asserted that oral syphilitic lesions are highly infectious.13 Syphilis also can be transmitted by an already infected sexual partner sustaining minor trauma at the oral mucosa, allowing Treponema pallidum from the bloodstream to be inoculated onto the nipple. Another explanation for transmission could be the Koebner phenomenon, whereby trauma at the nipple of an already infected patient could lead to the formation of a chancre.6,8
The differential diagnosis includes erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, nipple eczema, Paget disease of the breast, and ulcerated basal cell carcinoma. Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is a benign tumor of unilateral involvement that presents as an asymptomatic eroded/ulcerated papule. Clinically, it is similar to Paget disease of the breast. Eczema of the nipple usually is associated with pruritus and epidermal changes such as scaling.7,8 Paget disease of the breast arises from the extension of breast ductal carcinoma in situ onto the skin overlying the nipple. It can present as a unilateral nipple plaque with ulceration and bloody discharge. The diagnoses of erosive adenomatosis and Paget disease are confirmed with histologic examination. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer and can present as an ulcerated plaque, often with rolled borders, pearly edges, and overlying telangiectasia. It is known to be locally invasive. A punch biopsy and histopathologic examination would confirm the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.14
Extragenital chancres, especially those occurring at unusual sites, are uncommon. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment for these patients.
- Mindel A, Tovey SJ, Timmins DJ, et al. Primary and secondary syphilis, 20 years' experience. 2. clinical features. Genitourin Med. 1989;65:1-3.
- Goh B. Syphilis in adults. Sex Transm Infect. 2005;81:448-452.
- Katz KA. Syphilis. In: Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012:2471-2492.
- Singh AE, Romanowski B. Syphilis: review with emphasis on clinical, epidemiologic, and some biologic features. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1999;12:187-209.
- Lee JY, Lin MH, Jung YC. Extragenital syphilitic chancre manifesting as a solitary nodule of the nipple. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006;20:886-887.
- Oh Y, Ahn S, Hong SP, et al. A case of extragenital chancre on a nipple from a human bite during sexual intercourse. Int J Dermatol. 2008;47:978-980.
- Sim JH, Lee MG, In SI, et al. Erythematous erosive patch on the left nipple--quiz case. diagnosis: extragenital syphilitic chancres. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146:81-86.
- Yu M, Lee HR, Han TY, et al. A solitary erosive patch on the left nipple. extragenital syphilitic chancres. Int J Dermatol. 2012;51:27-28.
- Chiu HY, Tsai TF. A crusted plaque on the right nipple. JAMA. 2012;308:403-404.
- Zheng S, Liu J, Xu XG, et al. Primary syphilis presenting as bilateral nipple-areola eczematoid lesions. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94:617-618.
- Podlipnik S, Giavedoni P, Alsina M, et al. An erythematous nodule on the nipple: an unusual presentation of primary syphilis. J Cutan Pathol. 2015;42:239-243.
- Fukuda H, Takahashi M, Kato K, et al. Multiple primary syphilis on the lip, nipple-areola and penis: an immunohistochemical examination of Treponema pallidum localization using an anti-T. pallidum antibody. J Dermatol. 2015;42:515-517.
- Yu X, Zheng H. Syphilitic chancre of the lips transmitted by kissing. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95:E3303.
- Carucci JA, Leffell DJ, Pettersen JS. Basal cell carcinoma. In: Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012:1294-1303.
The Diagnosis: Primary Syphilitic Chancre of the Nipple
Because laboratory investigation was negative, a primary syphilitic chancre was suspected based on clinical findings, which was confirmed by a positive rapid plasma reagin with a titer of 1:32 and a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay. Results were negative for human immunodeficiency virus. On further inquiry, the patient acknowledged that the right areola had been traumatized during sexual activity with his regular male partner 1 month prior. In the last year he reported having had 5 different male partners. He was treated with a single dose of 2.4 million IU of intramuscular benzathine penicillin. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections revealed concomitant gonococcal infection of the pharynx and chlamydia proctitis, both of which were subsequently treated. On follow-up 2 weeks after presentation the ulcer had resolved, and he currently is undergoing serial rapid plasma reagin titer monitoring.
Primary syphilitic chancres can occur at any mucocutaneous site of inoculation, most frequently on the genitalia.1 Classically, after an incubation period of 9 to 90 days, a painless indurated ulcer forms2 and heals spontaneously after 3 to 6 weeks if left untreated.3 Chancres at extragenital sites are uncommon, occurring in approximately 2% of patients with primary syphilis.1 Of them, common sites include the lips and mouth (40%-70%),4 with areolar involvement rarely being reported. A PubMed search of articles indexed for MEDLINE using the terms nipple and chancre revealed 9 case reports in the English-language literature, with the first 2 cases being reported by Lee et al5 in 2006. The characteristics of these cases and our patient are summarized in the Table.5-12
Oral contact or traumatization of the nipple by the patient's sexual partner was reported in all but one of these cases5-10,12; trauma was unknown in one case.11 Our patient reported a similar history of trauma to the nipple. It is known that transmission of syphilis can take place via kissing or oral contact, and it has been asserted that oral syphilitic lesions are highly infectious.13 Syphilis also can be transmitted by an already infected sexual partner sustaining minor trauma at the oral mucosa, allowing Treponema pallidum from the bloodstream to be inoculated onto the nipple. Another explanation for transmission could be the Koebner phenomenon, whereby trauma at the nipple of an already infected patient could lead to the formation of a chancre.6,8
The differential diagnosis includes erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, nipple eczema, Paget disease of the breast, and ulcerated basal cell carcinoma. Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is a benign tumor of unilateral involvement that presents as an asymptomatic eroded/ulcerated papule. Clinically, it is similar to Paget disease of the breast. Eczema of the nipple usually is associated with pruritus and epidermal changes such as scaling.7,8 Paget disease of the breast arises from the extension of breast ductal carcinoma in situ onto the skin overlying the nipple. It can present as a unilateral nipple plaque with ulceration and bloody discharge. The diagnoses of erosive adenomatosis and Paget disease are confirmed with histologic examination. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer and can present as an ulcerated plaque, often with rolled borders, pearly edges, and overlying telangiectasia. It is known to be locally invasive. A punch biopsy and histopathologic examination would confirm the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.14
Extragenital chancres, especially those occurring at unusual sites, are uncommon. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment for these patients.
The Diagnosis: Primary Syphilitic Chancre of the Nipple
Because laboratory investigation was negative, a primary syphilitic chancre was suspected based on clinical findings, which was confirmed by a positive rapid plasma reagin with a titer of 1:32 and a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay. Results were negative for human immunodeficiency virus. On further inquiry, the patient acknowledged that the right areola had been traumatized during sexual activity with his regular male partner 1 month prior. In the last year he reported having had 5 different male partners. He was treated with a single dose of 2.4 million IU of intramuscular benzathine penicillin. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections revealed concomitant gonococcal infection of the pharynx and chlamydia proctitis, both of which were subsequently treated. On follow-up 2 weeks after presentation the ulcer had resolved, and he currently is undergoing serial rapid plasma reagin titer monitoring.
Primary syphilitic chancres can occur at any mucocutaneous site of inoculation, most frequently on the genitalia.1 Classically, after an incubation period of 9 to 90 days, a painless indurated ulcer forms2 and heals spontaneously after 3 to 6 weeks if left untreated.3 Chancres at extragenital sites are uncommon, occurring in approximately 2% of patients with primary syphilis.1 Of them, common sites include the lips and mouth (40%-70%),4 with areolar involvement rarely being reported. A PubMed search of articles indexed for MEDLINE using the terms nipple and chancre revealed 9 case reports in the English-language literature, with the first 2 cases being reported by Lee et al5 in 2006. The characteristics of these cases and our patient are summarized in the Table.5-12
Oral contact or traumatization of the nipple by the patient's sexual partner was reported in all but one of these cases5-10,12; trauma was unknown in one case.11 Our patient reported a similar history of trauma to the nipple. It is known that transmission of syphilis can take place via kissing or oral contact, and it has been asserted that oral syphilitic lesions are highly infectious.13 Syphilis also can be transmitted by an already infected sexual partner sustaining minor trauma at the oral mucosa, allowing Treponema pallidum from the bloodstream to be inoculated onto the nipple. Another explanation for transmission could be the Koebner phenomenon, whereby trauma at the nipple of an already infected patient could lead to the formation of a chancre.6,8
The differential diagnosis includes erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, nipple eczema, Paget disease of the breast, and ulcerated basal cell carcinoma. Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is a benign tumor of unilateral involvement that presents as an asymptomatic eroded/ulcerated papule. Clinically, it is similar to Paget disease of the breast. Eczema of the nipple usually is associated with pruritus and epidermal changes such as scaling.7,8 Paget disease of the breast arises from the extension of breast ductal carcinoma in situ onto the skin overlying the nipple. It can present as a unilateral nipple plaque with ulceration and bloody discharge. The diagnoses of erosive adenomatosis and Paget disease are confirmed with histologic examination. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer and can present as an ulcerated plaque, often with rolled borders, pearly edges, and overlying telangiectasia. It is known to be locally invasive. A punch biopsy and histopathologic examination would confirm the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.14
Extragenital chancres, especially those occurring at unusual sites, are uncommon. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment for these patients.
- Mindel A, Tovey SJ, Timmins DJ, et al. Primary and secondary syphilis, 20 years' experience. 2. clinical features. Genitourin Med. 1989;65:1-3.
- Goh B. Syphilis in adults. Sex Transm Infect. 2005;81:448-452.
- Katz KA. Syphilis. In: Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012:2471-2492.
- Singh AE, Romanowski B. Syphilis: review with emphasis on clinical, epidemiologic, and some biologic features. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1999;12:187-209.
- Lee JY, Lin MH, Jung YC. Extragenital syphilitic chancre manifesting as a solitary nodule of the nipple. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006;20:886-887.
- Oh Y, Ahn S, Hong SP, et al. A case of extragenital chancre on a nipple from a human bite during sexual intercourse. Int J Dermatol. 2008;47:978-980.
- Sim JH, Lee MG, In SI, et al. Erythematous erosive patch on the left nipple--quiz case. diagnosis: extragenital syphilitic chancres. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146:81-86.
- Yu M, Lee HR, Han TY, et al. A solitary erosive patch on the left nipple. extragenital syphilitic chancres. Int J Dermatol. 2012;51:27-28.
- Chiu HY, Tsai TF. A crusted plaque on the right nipple. JAMA. 2012;308:403-404.
- Zheng S, Liu J, Xu XG, et al. Primary syphilis presenting as bilateral nipple-areola eczematoid lesions. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94:617-618.
- Podlipnik S, Giavedoni P, Alsina M, et al. An erythematous nodule on the nipple: an unusual presentation of primary syphilis. J Cutan Pathol. 2015;42:239-243.
- Fukuda H, Takahashi M, Kato K, et al. Multiple primary syphilis on the lip, nipple-areola and penis: an immunohistochemical examination of Treponema pallidum localization using an anti-T. pallidum antibody. J Dermatol. 2015;42:515-517.
- Yu X, Zheng H. Syphilitic chancre of the lips transmitted by kissing. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95:E3303.
- Carucci JA, Leffell DJ, Pettersen JS. Basal cell carcinoma. In: Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012:1294-1303.
- Mindel A, Tovey SJ, Timmins DJ, et al. Primary and secondary syphilis, 20 years' experience. 2. clinical features. Genitourin Med. 1989;65:1-3.
- Goh B. Syphilis in adults. Sex Transm Infect. 2005;81:448-452.
- Katz KA. Syphilis. In: Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012:2471-2492.
- Singh AE, Romanowski B. Syphilis: review with emphasis on clinical, epidemiologic, and some biologic features. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1999;12:187-209.
- Lee JY, Lin MH, Jung YC. Extragenital syphilitic chancre manifesting as a solitary nodule of the nipple. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006;20:886-887.
- Oh Y, Ahn S, Hong SP, et al. A case of extragenital chancre on a nipple from a human bite during sexual intercourse. Int J Dermatol. 2008;47:978-980.
- Sim JH, Lee MG, In SI, et al. Erythematous erosive patch on the left nipple--quiz case. diagnosis: extragenital syphilitic chancres. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146:81-86.
- Yu M, Lee HR, Han TY, et al. A solitary erosive patch on the left nipple. extragenital syphilitic chancres. Int J Dermatol. 2012;51:27-28.
- Chiu HY, Tsai TF. A crusted plaque on the right nipple. JAMA. 2012;308:403-404.
- Zheng S, Liu J, Xu XG, et al. Primary syphilis presenting as bilateral nipple-areola eczematoid lesions. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94:617-618.
- Podlipnik S, Giavedoni P, Alsina M, et al. An erythematous nodule on the nipple: an unusual presentation of primary syphilis. J Cutan Pathol. 2015;42:239-243.
- Fukuda H, Takahashi M, Kato K, et al. Multiple primary syphilis on the lip, nipple-areola and penis: an immunohistochemical examination of Treponema pallidum localization using an anti-T. pallidum antibody. J Dermatol. 2015;42:515-517.
- Yu X, Zheng H. Syphilitic chancre of the lips transmitted by kissing. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95:E3303.
- Carucci JA, Leffell DJ, Pettersen JS. Basal cell carcinoma. In: Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012:1294-1303.
A previously healthy 20-year-old Chinese man presented to our dermatology outpatient clinic with a solitary painless ulcer on the right areola of 1 week's duration. Examination showed a small, slightly indurated ulcer with well-defined borders. No lesions were noted elsewhere. Swabs for pyogenic culture and herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction tests were sent, and he was treated empirically with oral cephalexin and tetracycline ointment 3%. At 1-week follow-up the ulcer had dried up and begun to heal, and results from the laboratory investigations were negative.
