What is apocrine metaplasia?


Apocrine metaplasia is a benign (non-cancerous) change in which the normal cells in a tissue are replaced by cells that resemble apocrine cells. Apocrine cells are a special type of glandular cell normally found in the skin. The word metaplasia refers to the replacement of one type of mature cell by another.

Apocrine metaplasia is not cancer, and it is not considered precancerous.

What do apocrine cells look like?

Under the microscope, apocrine cells are usually large and round with a visible central nucleolus (a small structure inside the nucleus). Their cytoplasm, the material surrounding the nucleus, often looks pink and granular on a standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slide. These features make them easily recognizable to pathologists.

Apocrine cells

Where does apocrine metaplasia usually occur?

Although apocrine metaplasia can occur in different parts of the body, it is most often seen in the breast. In the breast, it is commonly associated with benign conditions such as:

Hormonal changes are thought to play a role in the development of apocrine metaplasia in the breast.

Apocrine metaplasia

How is apocrine metaplasia different from other apocrine changes?

It is important to distinguish apocrine metaplasia from other conditions that also involve apocrine cells:

  • Apocrine hyperplasia: A benign condition where the number of apocrine cells increases.

  • Apocrine carcinoma: A rare type of breast cancer that develops from malignant (cancerous) apocrine cells.

Unlike apocrine carcinoma, apocrine metaplasia does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

How is apocrine metaplasia diagnosed?

Pathologists diagnose apocrine metaplasia by examining a tissue sample under the microscope. The tissue sample is usually obtained during a biopsy performed to investigate a lump or other change in the breast. When apocrine metaplasia is seen, the pathologist must carefully examine the sample to make sure there are no signs of other conditions that may require further treatment.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What was the reason for my biopsy?

  • Was apocrine metaplasia the only finding in my pathology report?

  • Do I need any follow-up tests or treatment?

  • Could the apocrine metaplasia be related to fibrocystic change or other benign breast conditions?

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