Paget's disease of the breast

Paget's disease of the breast is a skin condition linked to breast cancer. It affects the skin of the nipple and the dark circle around the nipple (areola). It is usually a sign of breast cancer in the tissue behind the nipple.

• If there's a lump behind the nipple: It’s usually an invasive breast cancer.  About half of people with Paget’s disease of the breast have a lump behind the nipple.
• If there's no lump: It’s usually ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This is an early, non-invasive form of breast cancer. This means that cancer cells have formed inside the milk ducts but have not spread outside them.

Rarely invasive cancer is found even if there is no lump. 

No, it is rare. Paget's disease of the breast occurs in up to 4 in every 100 breast cancer cases.

You will likely need surgery to treat Paget's disease of the breast.

• To remove the tumour: Surgery to remove the tumour is usually the first treatment. You may have part of your breast removed or the whole breast (mastectomy). If the cancer is affecting a large area of the breast or it’s in the central area of your breast, it’s more likely you will have a mastectomy.  
• To remove lymph nodes: Surgery to remove lymph nodes in your armpit area may be done if the cancer has spread there. This is called an axillary clearance.

You may have more treatment after surgery to try to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. For example: