Women's Health

Breast Care

Breast Disorders

Paget's Disease

Paget’s Disease is the identification of breast cancer cells within the skin around the nipple. Women may notice the development of redness, itching or peeling of the skin on the nipple of their breast. Nipple discharge may be absent. The diagnosis of Paget’s Disease can be made by performing a biopsy of the nipple skin. In the vast majority of cases Paget’s disease of the nipple is associated with an underlying breast cancer. Most often the underlying breast cancer is an intraductal carcinoma also known as ductal carcinoma in situ. Thorough evaluation includes a complete breast examination as well as a diagnostic mammogram of the effected side. If an underlying suspicious lesion can be identified by mammography, this should be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. Women identified with Paget’s Disease and an underlying breast cancer are most often managed with a total mastectomy, however, there are exceptions to this rule. A skilled breast specialist can help a woman decide whether she would be a candidate for breast preservation under these circumstances.