Yes, Paget’s disease of the breast can begin on the areola (the darker colored region encompassing the nipple). While Paget’s disease of the breast typically presents as a scaly and/or itchy rash of the nipple or areola, it can also start as a symptomless lump or flattening of the nipple.
When it begins on the areola, the nipple and areola commonly become red, irritated, and inflamed. Other symptoms include itching, burning, and tingling of the areola, a brownish-yellow discoloration of the skin, and oozing of fluid from the areola.
If it spreads further to the breast, Paget’s disease of the breast may cause a lump in the breast, lumpy or thickened areas of skin (nodular ulceration) on the breast, and peau d’orange, an area of the breast resembling the skin of an orange.
Paget’s disease of the breast can be diagnosed with a biopsy and treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy.
What are the first symptoms of Paget’s disease of the breast?
The early signs and symptoms of Paget’s disease of the breast (also known as Paget’s disease of the nipple) are usually subtle, and can easily be mistaken for other conditions, such as eczema or a skin infection.
The earliest symptom is often an area of persistent itching, burning, and/or soreness around the nipple and areola (the darker area of skin around the nipple). Another early sign is redness, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the skin on the nipple or areola.
Other early symptoms of Paget’s include a rash, a discharge from the affected area, a hardened or raised area on the nipple, an ulcer on the nipple, extreme sensitivity in the breasts, or a sensation of warmth in the affected area.
It is important to be aware of these early signs and symptoms, as they may indicate the presence of Paget’s disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
How do I know if I have Paget’s disease of the breast?
These symptoms include changes in the skin of the nipple or areola, such as redness, scaliness, crustiness, itchy or burning sensation, a lump in the breast, discharge from the nipple, and/or an inverted nipple.
A doctor should be consulted if any of these symptoms are present.
In addition to these symptoms, a physical examination performed by a healthcare provider may be performed. During the physical examination, the doctor may gently press on the breast tissue to check for any lumps or firmness in the breast.
The doctor may also look for any discoloration or thickening in the nipple and areola, which are common signs of Paget’s disease of the breast.
Finally, a doctor may order imaging tests to detect any changes in the breast that may indicate Paget’s disease. These tests usually include an ultrasound and/or a mammogram to look for any suspicious lumps or other abnormal changes in the breast tissue.
If any suspicious changes are found, a biopsy may be performed to confirm or rule out Paget’s disease.
How quickly does Paget’s disease develop?
Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic disorder that progresses over many years, however the rate at which the disease advances can be highly variable from person to person. The time it takes for the disease to develop can range from months to several years, although some individuals may have a more rapid course of the disease.
Symptoms may worsen over time and the rate at which that may happen will vary depending on individual factors. It is important to note that some individuals may not show any signs or symptoms of Paget’s disease of bone at all, and may be diagnosed incidentally.
Paget’s disease of bone can be a very serious disorder and because the rate of its progression can be unpredictable, it is important to discuss the individual situation and the best treatment plan with your doctor.
What can be mistaken for Paget’s disease?
Paget’s disease is a chronic bone disorder that can cause pain and deformity in the skeleton. It is sometimes mistaken for other conditions that have similar features which may include: Osteoarthritis, Fibrous Dysplasia, Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Vitamin D Deficiency.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage and underlying bone. Fibrous Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal disorder where the body produces too much fibrous tissue that replaces the normal bone and can cause deformities in the body.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism is caused by an overactive parathyroid gland that produces too much parathyroid hormone which can lead to excessive bone loss and can cause fractures. Vitamin D Deficiency can cause joint pain and deformities if the body is not getting enough vitamin D from foods or from sun exposure.
All of these conditions have similar features that could be mistaken for Paget’s Disease, however, it is important to get a diagnosis from a doctor to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.
What is the most common presenting symptom of Paget disease?
The most common presenting symptom of Paget disease is pain in the affected area, especially in the bones. The pain tends to be constant and is usually worse at night, or when weight is applied to the affected area.
Other symptoms can include stiffness and swelling, an enlarged and deformed bone, deformity of joints, and hearing loss caused by Paget disease of the skull. In some cases, exposed nerves or tendons may be the cause of pain.
Overall, the most common presenting symptom of Paget disease is chronic pain, which can persist and worsen over time.
Does Paget’s disease come on suddenly?
No, Paget’s disease does not come on suddenly. It is a chronic, long-term disease, characterized by abnormal bone growth that can cause bones to become unusually weak, misshapen, and prone to fractures.
Therefore, it usually takes time for symptoms to develop and for the disease to progress to a point where diagnosis is possible. As a result, it is very common for those who have been living with Paget’s disease for a long time to not realise something is wrong.
As the disease progresses, common symptoms associated with Paget’s disease may become more evident, including pain and swelling, hearing loss, and changes to vision. Visiting your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms arise is advised, to ensure timely diagnosis and management of the condition.
Is Paget’s disease slow growing?
Paget’s disease is considered a slow-growing condition. It typically affects bones in a gradual fashion, taking a long period of time for the condition to reach its full severity. This is important because given the slow progression of the disease, there is a greater likelihood of being able to diagnose and treat the condition relatively early.
If left untreated, however, it can have significant effects on bone structure and can lead to a variety of complications such as fractures, joint pain and disability. Interestingly, in some cases, the progression of Paget’s disease can remain static for long periods of time without any treatment.
Nevertheless, regular physician visits and check-ups are essential in order to adequately monitor the condition and enable an appropriate treatment plan to be drawn up accordingly.
What does areola cancer look like?
Areola cancer can take the form of a lump that’s usually red, pink, or reddish-brown near the nipple. It may be firm, flat, raised, or have an irregular shape. The lump may also be associated with changes to the color and texture of the skin in the area.
Some people may experience nipple changes, such as ulceration, retraction, pus secretion, or skin erosion. In some cases, a itching, burning, or tingling sensation may be present. Seek medical attention if you suspect you might have areola cancer so that it can be properly diagnosed.
Can you get cancer in your areola?
Yes, it is possible to get cancer in the areola. This type of cancer is known as Paget’s disease of the nipple, and it typically occurs in adults over the age of 60. In rare cases, it can occur in younger individuals as well.
Paget’s disease of the nipple is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and the areola, which is the pigmented area around the nipple. This type of cancer begins in the cells that make up the nipple skin and can spread to other areas, like the lymph nodes under the arm.
Symptoms may include skin redness, scaling, itching, burning, and/or a sore. A diagnosis of Paget’s disease is usually made with a biopsy of the tissues. Treatment for this type of cancer may involve surgery, radiation, or a combination of both.
What does Paget’s disease of the areola look like?
Paget’s disease of the areola is a rare form of skin cancer that affects the pigmented area around the nipple (areola), appearing as a red, scaly rash. It may range from a single patch to multiple patches, or sometimes the rash may appear over a large area of the breast.
Typically, the patches of Paget’s appear as an itchy, red patch, with raised, yellow borders. These patches can eventually turn into deeper red lesions with an irregular outline, that may break and crust over.
In some cases, the lesions may also ooze a clear or yellowish fluid. Sometimes Paget’s disease can cause visible changes to the skin of the breast, such as reddish-brown pigmentation, or a flattened, or pulled in, nipple appearance.
In rare cases, Paget’s disease can also cause nipple discharge. It is important to note that breast cancer can also present as red, scaly lesions, though generally in Paget’s disease, the lesions are confined to the areolas area.
If any such symptoms are present, it is important to get them checked out by a healthcare professional to confirm diagnosis and ensure proper treatment.
When should I be concerned about my areola?
If you experience any pain, itching, burning, or discharge from your areola, you should be concerned and make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause of these symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment, if any.
Additionally, it is important to pay attention to any changes you notice in your areola, such as size, texture, bumps, and color. If you notice any changes in your areola, regardless of whether they are accompanied by symptoms or not, you should have your doctor evaluate them.
These types of changes can indicate a variety of potential conditions, including hormonal imbalance and even breast cancer in some cases. Therefore, it is important to be aware of any changes in your areola and to promptly address them with your doctor.
What is the bump on areola?
The bump on the areola is called the nipple. The nipple is composed of an outer ring of darker skin called the areola that is surrounded by a small raised area of flesh and altogether forms the nipple.
The areola also has small glands called Montgomery glands which are located between the areola and the nipple, and have been known to excrete a lubricating fluid during a breastfeeding session. The size, shape, and color can vary from person to person, but usually, the areola is darker than the surrounding skin, ranging from pinkish to a deep brown or black color.
This is because the areola has more pigment-producing cells than the skin, and the color can fluctuate depending on hormonal changes.
What of the following is the most common appearance of Paget’s disease?
The most common appearance of Paget’s Disease is that it affects the bones, causing them to become enlarged, deformed, and have abnormal shapes. It most commonly affects the long bones of the body, in particular the hips, pelvis, spine, and skull.
Symptoms of this disorder include bone pain, joint tenderness, raised areas of the skin, and a deformity in the shape of the affected bone. Other symptoms can include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes) and calcification of soft tissues.
In severe cases, the bones may become harder and more brittle and may break easily. Neurological signs, such as hearing and visual problems, can also occur, due to pressure on nerves in the affected bone.
Treatment for this condition typically involves pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications and bone-strengthening medications. In severe cases, surgery to realign the affected bones may be required.
What triggers Paget’s?
Paget’s Disease is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become oddly shaped and weak. It is caused by a disruption in the normal cycle of bone renewal, leading to bones getting larger and prone to fractures.
While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, there are some factors that are believed to trigger it. These triggers include genetics, older age, and having certain autoimmune diseases. Additionally, some experts believe that there may be an association between certain environmental factors such as high levels of certain pesticides or viruses, and Paget’s Disease.
Therefore, it is important to remember that there may be other, unknown triggers of Paget’s Disease, and that more research is needed to identify the precise cause.