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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Paget's Disease of the Nipple
Paget's disease is a type of breast cancer. With proper
treatment it can be cured. In this discussion of Paget's
disease you will learn what Paget's disease is, the symptoms
of Paget's disease, and how your doctor will diagnose and
treat it.
What is Paget's disease of the nipple?
Paget's disease is a slowly growing cancer of the nipple.
It is a rare cancer, accounting for only 1 percent of all
breast cancers.
How does it occur?
When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, they are called
tumors. It is not known why they occur. In Paget's
disease, the tumor starts in the milk ducts of the nipple.
What are the symptoms?
One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the
nipple is that its symptoms appear to be harmless. It is
frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection,
leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care. The
symptoms include:
- A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your
nipple causing it to itch and burn.
- A sore on your nipple that will not heal.
- Usually only one nipple is affected.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you about your
history of illnesses. Even though the redness, oozing, and
crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the
skin), your doctor will suspect cancer if the sore is only
on one breast.
Your doctor will order a biopsy of your sore to confirm the
diagnosis. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor
takes a sample of your breast tissue to test for cancer. A
mammogram (x-ray) of both breasts will be done to look for
other cancers.
How is it treated?
If the cancer is only in the nipple and not in the breast,
your doctor may recommend just removing the nipple and
surrounding tissue or suggest radiation treatments.
If a mass is found deep in your breast, your doctor will
discuss treatment alternatives, including surgery,
radiation, and chemotherapy.
How long will the effects of Paget's disease last?
The cancerous sore will remain on your nipple and may spread
deeper into your breast unless you have surgical treatment
or radiation treatments. Your doctor will advise you as to
the best treatment for your disease.
What can be done to help prevent this from recurring?
Check monthly for any lumps, sores, or oozing from your
breasts and report any breast changes to your doctor
immediately.
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