Paget’s (PAJ-its) disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer.
Paget’s disease of the breast occurs most often in women older than age 50.
Only in rare cases is Paget’s disease of the breast confined to the nipple itself.
Paget’s disease of the breast affects your nipple and usually the skin (areola) surrounding it.
The disease typically starts in the nipple and may spread to the areola and other areas of the breast.
On average, women experience signs and symptoms for several months before getting a diagnosis.
Be aware of any changes in your breasts.
You may need a biopsya procedure that collects a small tissue sample for microscopic analysisto evaluate the affected area.
Doctors don’t know what causes Paget’s disease of the breast.
The most widely accepted theory is that the disease results from an underlying ductal breast cancer.
The cancer cells from the original tumor then travel through milk ducts to the nipple and its surrounding skin.
Another theory is that the disease can develop independently in the nipple.
Most women with breast cancer have no known risk factors.
If you have nipple discharge, a sample of the discharge might also be collected.
If you have a breast lump, a biopsy of that tissue will also be done.
This can be done in a procedure known as a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
If you have Paget’s disease of the breast, you will likely need surgery.
Lumpectomy.Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) involves removing only the diseased portion of your breast.
Your surgeon removes your nipple and areola along with a wedge- or cone-shaped section of your breast.
Lumpectomy to treat Paget’s disease of the breast requires follow-up radiation therapy.
Lumpectomy wouldn’t be recommended if you could’t have radiation therapy for some reason.
Most women have nipple reconstruction after their treatment.
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.
Everyone finds their own way of coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Ask for good sources of up-to-date information on your treatment options.
Knowing more about your cancer and your options may help you feel more confident when making treatment decisions.
Still, some women may not want to know the details of their cancer.
If this is how you feel, let your doctor know that, too.
communicate with the American Cancer Society to find out about support groups in your area.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor or other professional who works with cancer survivors.
As you begin telling people about your breast cancer diagnosis, you’ll likely get many offers for help.
Because of these attitudes, breast cancer may affect your self-image and erode your confidence in intimate relationships.
Talk to your partner about your insecurities and your feelings.
Take care of yourself.Make your well-being a priority during cancer treatment.
If you should probably, be prepared to relinquish your role as caretaker for a while.
This doesn’t mean you’re helpless or weak.
It means you’re using all your energy to get well.
Making changes in your daily life may help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening.
Together, you’ve got the option to decide what breast cancer screening strategies are right for you.
Exercise most days of the week.Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
If you haven’t been active lately, ask your doctor whether it’s OK and start slowly.
Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy.Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy.
Maintain a healthy weight.If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight.
If you better lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this.
Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.
Choose a healthy diet.
Options include tamoxifen and raloxifene (Evista).
Aromatase inhibitors have shown some promise in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women with a high risk.
Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
Updated: 2017-08-04
Publication Date: 2006-08-24
