Paget's

[Mak4]

Do Paget's disease symptoms "come & go"? On Monday evening I noticed on myself a red & swollen area half moon arc around my areola with my "bumps" enlarged, and sore to the touch (which was what made me look). It matched the pix I've seen on the internet of the first stages of Paget's. By morning, all swelling was gone, with telltale signs of the redness around areola. The next day, I could hardly see the redness. Bumps are back to normal size but still a little bit sore to touch. I do have an appt with Dr but that's 5 days away. Couldnt get me in any earlier. But I'm very worried. From what I read, if caught early enough, maybe my nipple can be saved? Or do I even have it if symptoms are gone?  

[bhumi123]

Hi,
Pagets disease is similar to the condition you desbribe but then it is basically an eczema- like condition. Most cases of paget's disease have underlying breast cancer. Once pagets disease starts involving the nipple and surrounding area the disease process is usually progressive and often the nipple is lost/inverted with spread to adjacent breast tissue. In your case as you describe it is a resolving condition and it goes more like in favour of eczema/skin rash. You should do a breast self exam for any palpable lumps and report them to the physician on your next visit. Rest assured you have nothing much to worry about but look ahead to the doctor's visit that you have scheduled.

[fritscher]

Hi..My sister did have Pagets disease 5 years ago(she is ok today) and her gp doc was treating her for eczema (it never improved or got better like yours did)..When found they did the complete mastectomy with reconstruction of nipple etc and she is today fine..She did not have to have chemo or radiation only put on hormone therapy. she had very minimual lymph node involvement if any

I bet yours is eczema but it is great you can go to your doc for reassurance
karen

[Mak4]

Please can a doctor answer this question in reguard to my previous question on Paget's? My systems looked EXACTLY like pictures I've seen of 1st stage Paget's breast cancer. My symptoms are completely gone in only a few days. (And, I've NEVER had this happen before!) My question is: in your experience, have you ever seen this happen before? Or, is this a common "look" when the lymphatics of the breast are infected just by something else as well? Is that possible? I have had a sinus infection for a month now. It is almost completely gone, but... It was on the same side as the breast that inflamed. So, can ANY infection cause the breast to do this, AS WELL as cancer? Thank you for taking the time......Makayla

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Nothing can be said without a clinical examination and relevant investigations.

The chances are that this is eczema which resolves spontaneously or with appropriate medications.

Paget's on the other hand, is a progressive condition.

You should consult your breast specialist and a lab analysis of the nipple discharge and a skin biopsy would be required for a diagnosis of paget's disease.

What is your age? Have you noticed any abnormal features on breast self examination?

The chances that this is paget's are very less. Let us know what your specialist advises.

You should read up on Paget's disease of the breast at the folowing links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paget%27s_disease_of_the_breast

http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic305.htm

Let us know if you have any other doubts or queries.

Post us about how you are doing.

Regards.