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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
flaky, brownish skin on areola (IBC?)
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
flaky, brownish skin on areola (IBC?)
by Smurlene, Dec 18, 2006 12:00AM
After getting out of the shower the other day, I noticed what I thought was a dry patch on the upper left side of the aerola on my left breast (it is and has always been much larger than my right breast). Upon further inspection, I noticed that the little bumps that go around the areola were darker brown that the rest of the skin and were dry and flaky.
There are no sores, my breast is not leaking fluid, and my breast is not hot.
Just wondering if this could be a sign of IBC (Paget's)?
I have an appointment to see my gynecologist in a couple of days, and I want to make sure I ask the right questions.
There are no sores, my breast is not leaking fluid, and my breast is not hot.
Just wondering if this could be a sign of IBC (Paget's)?
I have an appointment to see my gynecologist in a couple of days, and I want to make sure I ask the right questions.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Dec 18, 2006 12:00AM
Dear Smurlene: Paget’s disease generally presents as a sore, scaley nipple and areola. It may also bleed. It does not heal. Skin on the breast and areola is not unlike skin anywhere else on the body and is subject to all sorts of skin abnormalities, most of which are far more common than paget’s disease. Without examination, it is impossible for us to speculate on what this could be. Your doctor may be able to shed some light on the situation following examination. Paget's disease is not the same as IBC or inflammatory breast cancer that presents with redness, swelling and warmth of the breast.
