An eczema-like change in the skin of the nipple may be the sign of paget’s disease of the breast. Nine out of ten women who suffer from it have an underlying breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ or an invasive breast cancer are the ones that may be the underlying breast cancer. Cancer cells are completely contained within the milk ducts in DCIS.
A breast lump which can be felt at the time it is diagnosed will be experienced by around half of the women who suffer from paget’s disease of the breast.
1 to 2 out of every 100 women breast cancer patients suffer from paget’s disease of the breast. Although it can occur at a later or an earlier age, paget’s disease of the breast usually occurs in women in their 50s. Sometimes the dark area of skin surrounding the areola (area around the nipple), and red and scaly rash affecting the nipple is usually the first sign of paget’s disease of the breast. Nipple is always affected by the rash first may be followed by the areola. As it does not go away, it may become sore and the area can bleed slightly.
Paget’s Disease Causes:
Although certain women including who have never had children or had them late in life, women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, and women who started their periods at a young age or who had late menopause seem to be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, the cause of this disease is not known.
Paget’s Disease Symptoms:
As told, the first symptom is usually a rash that resembles eczema. The skin of the areola and nipple may go inflamed and red. Ulceration, bleeding, and crusting may also be present with sometimes burning or itching sensation. Abnormal area of cells can discharge fluid. The nipple may be turned inwards and a lump in the breast may or may not be present.
Paget’s Disease Treatment Options:
The treatment options depend on;
- how much of the breast is affected
- whether it is an invasive tumor or DCIS
- whether or not there an underlying breast cancer rests
and only then one (or more) of the following paget’s disease treatments is suggested by the doctors.
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