Testing for Paget's disease of the nipple involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and tissue biopsies.
During a physical exam, a doctor will look for signs of Paget's disease of the nipple, such as redness, scaling, and discharge from the nipple. The doctor may also look for an enlarged nipple or a retracted nipple, which are both common signs of the disease.
Imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasound, and MRI can help doctors diagnose Paget's disease of the nipple. During a mammogram, a doctor may see an area of increased density in the nipple or a lump in the tissue around the nipple. An ultrasound can show additional suspicious areas of tissue, and an MRI can help doctors distinguish between Paget's disease and breast cancer.
If a doctor suspects Paget's disease of the nipple, they may perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, a doctor will take a small sample of tissue from the affected area and send it to a lab for analysis. The lab will look for abnormal cells that are characteristic of Paget's disease.
In some cases, doctors may also perform genetic testing to look for mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which may increase the risk of Paget's disease of the nipple.
If a doctor suspects Paget's disease of the nipple, they may recommend a combination of treatments. These treatments may include surgery to remove the affected tissue, radiation therapy, and topical medications to reduce inflammation and itching.