User:Mr. Ibrahem/Paget's disease of the breast

Paget's disease of the breast is a presentation of cancer that involves the skin at and around the nipple of the breast. It typically presents similar to eczema, with a reddish area at the nipple which has a well defined border. There may be scaling, crusts, thickening of the skin, nipple discharge, or small blisters. Itchiness or pain is also often present. It generally increases in size over time.

The cause in nearly all cases is an underlying cancer; either ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer. Risk factors include family history, obesity, and alcohol. It is believed to result from cancer cells traveling to the skin through milk ducts. Diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy finding Paget cells. Medical imaging may be used to look for underlying cancers.

Treatment is generally with surgery, either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Additional options may include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. If treated early outcomes are often good; however, late diagnosis is common. In the United States overall 5 year survival is 83%; however, this varies by stage of the underlying cancer.

Paget's disease of the breast is an uncommon, accounting for 1% to 4% of breast cancer cases. Onset is generally after menopause in women's 50s or 60s, but can affect a wide age range. Rarely men are affected. It was first described by Sir James Paget in 1874.