Paget Disease (Breast)

Paget Disease of the Breast is a rare type of breast cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and the surrounding area called the areola. It primarily involves the breast's skin layer and can cause symptoms like redness, itching, and flaking of the nipple skin. This condition often signals an underlying breast tumor that may be invasive or confined within the ducts. The disease mainly impacts the breast tissue and skin, leading to changes that can be mistaken for eczema or dermatitis. Early recognition of these skin changes is important because it may indicate a more serious breast cancer beneath the surface.

Paget Disease of the Breast is a malignancy characterized by the presence of Paget cells, which are large malignant epithelial cells with clear cytoplasm and prominent nuclei, infiltrating the epidermis of the nipple and areola. It is usually associated with an underlying ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast carcinoma. The pathogenesis involves malignant cells migrating from the underlying breast ducts to the epidermis. Clinically, it presents with eczema-like changes of the nipple, including erythema, scaling, and sometimes ulceration. The disease is significant because it often indicates an underlying breast malignancy that requires thorough evaluation. Diagnosis and management are critical to address both the skin involvement and the underlying tumor.