Pagets Disease of the Breast

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Pagets disease of the breast, or Paget's disease of the nipple is a type of breast cancer that impacts the nipple. It is a rare form of breast cancer and affects less than 5% of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Most of the time, Paget's disease of the breast developes when there is an underlying breast cancer lump. However, it is possible for Pagets disease to develop when there is no underlying detectable lump. A lack of breast lump with Paget's disease is uncommon.

Pagets disease of the breast looks like a breast cancer rash and can resemble eczema. You might mistake this for a normal noncancerous skin rash. Pagets disease of the nipple may appear to heal and then return several times. Many times this can go on for months before breast cancer is diagnosed. It is important to recognize the symptoms of Paget's disease of the breast so you can potentially spot it during your monthly breast exams. Some of the symptoms of Paget's disease ofthe breast are:

* Redness

* Typically affects only one breast

* Looks like a rash

* Skin of the nipple (or areola) appears flaky or has scales

* Itchiness

* Tingling

* Pain

* Discharge from the nipple

* The nipple looks flat or mishaped

* Underlying lump may be detected

It is unknown exactly how Pagets disease of the breast begins. There are two basic theories. One is that cancer cells from the underlying tumor that is already present in the breast, break off and travel through the ducts to the nipple where they take up residence and grow abnormally. The second theory, for when there is no detectable tumor present, is that the cells of the nipple become cancerous, and Paget's disease of the breast occurs.

It is possible that the nipple and the areola (the dark circle around the nipple) may be affected. It is important to check both the nipple and areola during your monthly self breast exam. If you have any of the signs and symptoms above, it is important to talk to your doctor, especially if these symptoms are present for a month, or come and go for a month.