Paget's Disease of the Nipple

This is an unusual form of breast cancer that develops around the nipple.

It causes redness and scaling of the nipple and can be mistaken for eczema.

The diagnosis is made by performing a biopsy of the abnormal skin.

Once the diagnosis is made the breast needs to thoroughly assessed with clinical examination, ultrasound and mammography to determine the extent of change.

Treatment involves surgery to remove the abnormal tissue. This may be a full mastectomy if there is widespread change or breast conserving surgery in more localised situations. Breast conservation consists of a partial mastectomy to remove the nipple and underlying tissue followed by radiotherapy to the remainder of the breast.