Breast Lesion, Paget's Disease

[Neecey]

In October I discovered a circular, 1/2 inch sore on the breast.  After seeing the gynocologist, it was treated with Cortizone, Terazol 7, and Ultravate over 8 months and has continued to inflame and itch.  A friend wrote of Paget's disease sometimes beginning with a small sore on the arreola.  With this information I felt compelled to go back. They have done another mamogram (mammogram) to compare with my August '01 mamogram (mammogram) and took an ultrasound "to be safe."   I am being sent to a surgeon, who is looking at removal and testing, on an outpatient basis.  What questions do I need answered to avoid unnecessary surgery if it is "nothing" and to take proper steps if it is something to worry about?  I do regular exams and feel no lumps or growths.  Where can I find images on the internet of sonagrams and ultrasounds of normal and abnormal breast comparisons as well?  Can Estratest HRT be a factor? Can I remain awake with just a local for the surgeon/tests?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Neecey:  Paget's disease is a cancer that begins usually with a sore around the nipple area.  It can be mistaken for eczema.  If the creams you were given do not solve the problem, a biopsy may be recommended.  A biopsy would be necessary to prove Paget's disease.  The following web site shows a picture of paget's disease.  Please realize that we cannot vouch for the content on other web sites.  http://breastdoctor.com/breast/cancer/pagets.htm.  The role of hormone replacement therapy in breast cancer is controversial.  Many biopsies can be done with local anesthetic.  The recommendation for anesthesia will depend upon the type of biopsy needed.