dermatology

[enaols]

What is paget skin disease? I'm a 55 yrs old female. I have a perianal rash for 10 years duration. Resently it has become worse: painful  & extremely itchy.  My doc thinks might be this skin disorder. Is this a true cancer? He did not seem all that worried about it, but as I have looked this up the more worried I'm becoming.  I cannot find any treatment suggestions. I'm wondering what the treatment would be & what if I chose not to treat it? This rash has been present since my daughter was born & she is 10 years old. The rash is very dark red with distinct borders. There is now an area of fissured skin but this is new. I was told by a colon rectal doc about 1 yr ago that is only an "itchy rash" & treatment was to "stop scratching" & suggested tincture of violet. This made if very dry & very painful. i've tried steroid cream, beatdine, tincture of voilet, calamine lotion, diaper rash cream (this works the best). please help

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, Paget's Disease is a true cancer, though not as severe as some other forms.  However, how does your doctor know you have it?  There are other, much more common forms of itchy skin disorders around the anus, like eczema, that have nothing to do with cancer.  Paget's Disease can only be diagnosed by skin biopsy.  If your doctor is considering this diagnosis, he needs to do a biopsy or else to refer you to someone who will.  This should be done at once. for peace of mind if nothing else.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff