Paget's Disease of the Nipple: What Is It?
Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare type of skin cancer that affects the nipple and areola, the darker colored skin around the nipple. It is sometimes called Paget's disease of the breast, but it is not the same as breast cancer. Paget's disease of the nipple is very rare, with only about one in 1,000 breast cancer cases being Paget's disease.
Symptoms of Paget's Disease of the Nipple
The most common symptom of Paget's disease of the nipple is a rash or eczema-like skin changes on the nipple and areola. Other symptoms may include itching, burning, and redness. The nipple may become swollen, itchy, and may have a burning sensation. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Can Paget's Disease of the Nipple Come and Go?
The short answer is yes, Paget's disease of the nipple can come and go. The disease is often characterized by periods of remission and relapse. During a relapse, the symptoms may be more severe than during remission.
Treatment of Paget's Disease of the Nipple
The main goal of treatment for Paget's disease of the nipple is to stop the progression of the disease and to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Surgery is the most common treatment for Paget's disease of the nipple. This involves removing the affected area of skin and some of the surrounding tissue. In some cases, the entire nipple and areola may need to be removed.
Radiation therapy is another treatment option. This involves using high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy may also be used to treat Paget's disease of the nipple. This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells.
It is important to note that treatment for Paget's disease of the nipple can be successful in some cases. However, the disease can recur, so it is important to continue to follow up with your doctor for monitoring.
Conclusion
Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare type of skin cancer that affects the nipple and areola. The most common symptom is a rash or eczema-like skin changes on the nipple and areola. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The disease can come and go, so it is important to continue to follow up with your doctor for monitoring.