Breus mole, also known as Cohen's mole or histiocytic medullary reticulosis, is a rare type of benign skin lesion that is typically characterized by the presence of abnormal histiocytes within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
This condition was named after Dr. Friedrich Breus, a German dermatologist who first described it in 1892. It is also sometimes referred to as Cohen's mole, after Dr. Jacques Cohen who extensively studied and reported cases of this lesion.
Breus mole often presents as a solitary, firm, reddish-brown nodule on the skin, usually measuring less than 1 centimeter in diameter. It most commonly occurs on the trunk, back, or extremities, although it can also be found on the face or scalp.
Microscopically, Breus mole reveals a proliferation of histiocytes, which are a type of immune cells responsible for defending the body against foreign substances. These histiocytes may appear swollen or foamy, and they often contain yellow-brown pigment that gives the lesion its characteristic color.
Although Breus mole is typically considered a benign condition, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from more concerning lesions such as malignant melanoma or histiocytic disorders. Therefore, proper diagnosis by a dermatologist or skin pathologist is essential to rule out malignancy. Treatment is usually not required unless the lesion becomes symptomatic or there is diagnostic uncertainty, in which case surgical excision or biopsy may be performed.
