Paget's Disease of the Nipple: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Parkinson's disease

Doctor, I apologize for taking up your time to answer my question.
It has been a while since I've experienced itching in the area of my areola, along with peeling skin.
The peeling areas appear darker than the non-peeling areas and feel rough to the touch.
There was also a period when I had a light yellow discharge that resembled serous fluid, but I'm not sure if it was coming from the areola or the nipple.
Could this be Paget's disease? Should I see a dermatologist or a breast surgeon?

18, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/21

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid

Generally, lesions on the nipple or areola that are irregular or have varying characteristics raise suspicion for Paget's disease.
Based on your description, it doesn't seem to fit that profile, so it would be best to have a check-up at a breast clinic.

Reply Date: 2020/04/21

More Info

Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare form of breast cancer that typically presents with specific symptoms affecting the nipple and areola. It is often associated with underlying ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer. The symptoms you describe, including itching, peeling of the skin around the nipple, darkening of the affected area, and discharge, can indeed be indicative of Paget's disease, but they can also be related to other conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or even infections.

Symptoms of Paget's Disease of the Nipple:
1. Itching and Irritation: Persistent itching around the nipple area is common.

2. Skin Changes: This includes redness, flaking, or peeling of the skin on the nipple and areola. The skin may appear crusty or scaly.

3. Discoloration: The affected skin may become darker than the surrounding skin.

4. Nipple Discharge: There may be a discharge from the nipple, which can be clear, yellowish, or even bloody.

5. Nipple Retraction: In some cases, the nipple may retract or become inverted.

Diagnosis:
To determine whether you have Paget's disease or another condition, a thorough evaluation is necessary. This typically involves:
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will examine the affected area.

- Imaging Tests: A mammogram or ultrasound may be performed to check for underlying breast abnormalities.

- Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy of the affected skin or underlying breast tissue to check for cancerous cells.

Treatment Options:
If Paget's disease is diagnosed, treatment options may include:
1. Surgery: This may involve a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts).

2. Radiation Therapy: This may be recommended after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy: In cases where the cancer has spread, chemotherapy may be necessary.

4. Hormonal Therapy: If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormonal treatments may be used.

Next Steps:
Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. You can start by visiting a dermatologist to evaluate the skin changes, but it may also be beneficial to consult a breast surgeon or an oncologist who specializes in breast diseases. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you through the necessary diagnostic tests.

Conclusion:
While your symptoms could potentially indicate Paget's disease, they could also be due to other benign conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes, especially if it is a cancerous condition. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to changes in your breast health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Options and Surgical Insights

Hello, Doctor! I am someone who suffers from palmar hyperhidrosis. I have come across some questions raised by others online that are very similar to my situation, but they remain unanswered. I would like to know the answers to these questions as a basis for deciding whether to u...

Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. The best results are typically achieved with T2 + T3, but compensatory sweating may be more severe. Some say that performing only T2 or T3 + T4 may result in less compensatory sweating, although I have also seen cases where T3 + T4 was performed and there was still palmar swea...

Understanding Interstitial Cystitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, I have interstitial cystitis and have been experiencing frequent urination and pain for the past two years. Recently, the symptoms have worsened, and I underwent a water distension examination. The images from the distension are as follows: https://ibb.co/Hz0Nnc2. D...

Dr. Li Minghui reply Urology
Hello: 1) This platform is not for diagnosis and should not be used for that purpose. 2) Treatment options should be discussed with the attending physician, and there should be multiple approaches to treatment. A detailed discussion is necessary for understanding. 3) For chronic ...

Understanding Aseptic Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

I have been repeatedly examined by doctors over the past six months, and both urine tests and cultures have come back normal. I would like to know if a digital rectal examination would provide more accurate results, as I have not undergone this procedure yet. My symptoms keep rec...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
The diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain syndrome primarily relies on symptoms and the exclusion of infections and other conditions. The effectiveness of pharmacological treatments is often limited, necessitating a multifaceted approach to management. Conservative measures include ph...

Understanding Penile Glans Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Thank you for your response, doctor. I have seen two doctors. The first doctor performed a physical examination and told me that my prostate is slightly enlarged. The second doctor conducted a urinalysis, X-ray, and ultrasound. The urinalysis came back normal, and the X-ray also ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Ah Hong: Hello, chronic prostatitis is indeed very difficult to cure and requires patience. As for the stones, it is important to drink plenty of water, aiming for 3000cc daily, and to maintain a urine output of 1000-1500cc each day. For the edema, an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) ...