No, Paget’s disease of the nipple is not always cancer. Paget’s disease of the nipple is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and areola. It is characterized by red, scaly, and itchy skin on the nipple and areola that may be painful or oozing.
In most cases, Paget’s disease of the nipple is not cancerous. However, it may be a sign of an underlying cancer in the breast, such as invasive ductal carcinoma, infiltrating lobular carcinoma, or other types of breast cancer. In these cases, the Paget’s disease may be the only symptom of the underlying cancer.
In order to diagnose Paget’s disease of the nipple, a doctor will first take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination of the breast. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to look for evidence of cancer. If the doctor suspects Paget’s disease of the nipple, a biopsy of the affected area may be performed.
Treatment for Paget’s disease of the nipple depends on whether or not it is cancerous. If it is not cancerous, treatment may include topical medications and/or avoidance of any irritants that may be causing the condition. If the condition is cancerous, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy.
In conclusion, Paget’s disease of the nipple is not always cancerous, however, it may be a sign of an underlying breast cancer. Therefore, it is important to have any suspicious symptoms evaluated by a doctor.