Paget disease of the breast
Paget disease of the breast develops as a rash or other skin changes on the breast and nipple, usually only on one breast. Other names for it include Paget disease of the nipple or mammary Paget disease.
Most people with Paget disease of the breast also have invasive ductal carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) within the breast.
Paget disease of the breast usually happens in women over the age of 50.
Symptoms
It is important to know what is normal for your breasts and to report any changes to your doctor. Paget disease of the breast usually causes signs and symptoms that affect the nipple and areola including:
- crusting, scaling or flaking
- burning, itching or tingling
- changes to the colour of the skin, such as turning red or darker than usual
- discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- the nipple turns inward (inverts) or becomes flat
- a lump in the breast, often near or under the nipple
Non-cancerous skin conditions can cause the same signs and symptoms. It can take some time to rule out these conditions before diagnosing Paget disease of the breast.
Diagnosis
A biopsy of the nipple and surrounding skin is needed to diagnose Paget disease of the breast. You may have other tests such as mammography or an ultrasound.
Find out more about diagnosis of breast cancer.
Treatments
If you have Paget disease of the breast, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you.
Surgery is usually the main treatment. You may be offered other treatments based on whether you also have invasive ductal carcinoma or DCIS. These treatments may include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or targeted (anti-HER2) therapy.
Find out more about treatments for breast cancer.
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