PAGET’S DISEASE OF THE NIPPLE

SYMPTOMS

Paget’s disease of the nipple affects the nipple and the areola surrounding it. 

Here are various signs and symptoms of this disease:

• Cracking skin on your nipple
• Crusty and inured skin resembling eczema on the areola, nipple or both
• Itching
• Redness
• A prickly and burning sensation
• Bloody nipple discharge
• Inverted nipple
• A lump in the breast
• Thick skin on the breast

The signs and symptoms typically start in the nipple and spread to the areola and other breast areas. Consult a medical specialist if you suspect itching, skin irritation, and a lump in your breast.

DIAGNOSIS

The tests to assess your condition include the following:

• Physical and clinical breast exam
• Mammogram (an x-ray of the breast)
• Breast biopsy 
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Breast Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect cancer in your breast

Furthermore, the doctor checks the lymph nodes under the arm to see if cancer has spread to this area.

TREATMENT

The treatment for Paget’s disease of the nipple will depend on the underlying breast cancer. Your doctor will suggest one of these:

• Mastectomy- removing the entire breast.
• Lumpectomy- removing the nipple, areola, and part of the cancer breast.
• Radiation- kills cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy– uses certain drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Hormonal therapy- uses drugs to prevent the cancer cells from growing and reoccurring.

For years, breast cancer has remained as one of the most lethal types of cancer for women. Hence, seek immediate medical help if you notice any skin changes of your nipple or areola. It is better to diagnose breast diseases as early as possible for better treatment.