What is meant by “pagetoid” growth?
| | Fig. 47.6 Primary extramammary Paget’s disease. A, Typical extramammary Paget’s disease arising in the groin. B, Typical large, pale, atypical epithelial cells that demonstrate a scattered growth pattern, both as single cells and as small aggregates throughout the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], 3400). |
This is a histologic term used to describe large, pale cells that demonstrate a scattered growth pattern through the epidermis (Fig. 47-6B). In addition to extramammary Paget’s disease, pagetoid growth is also seen in Paget’s disease of the breast, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease), malignant melanoma, and, rarely, sebaceous gland carcinomas. Paget’s disease is named after Sir James Paget (1814–1894), who was among the first to describe this disease in the breast. |
![Primary extramammary Paget’s disease. A, Typical extramammary Paget’s disease arising in the groin. B, Typical large, pale, atypical epithelial cells that demonstrate a scattered growth pattern, both as single cells and as small aggregates throughout the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], 3400).](images/dermatology_secrets/f47.6_large.jpg)
