How to tell the difference between nipple eczema and Pagets disease?

Understanding the Differences: Nipple Eczema vs. Paget’s Disease
When it comes to skin conditions affecting the nipple area, distinguishing between nipple eczema and Paget’s disease is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. While both conditions can present with similar symptoms, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Symptoms and Affected Areas
Nipple eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition that can affect both nipples. It typically manifests as redness, itching, and scaling of the skin. The rash may extend beyond the nipple to the surrounding areola, and it is often bilateral, meaning it affects both sides. Importantly, eczema is not associated with any underlying malignancy and does not cause lumps beneath the skin.
In contrast, Paget’s disease of the nipple is a rare form of breast cancer that primarily affects the nipple and is almost always unilateral, meaning it typically occurs on one side only. The symptoms of Paget’s disease include persistent changes in the skin of the nipple, such as scaling, crusting, and erythema. Unlike eczema, Paget’s disease is characterized by its localized nature, affecting only the nipple and not the surrounding breast tissue .
Key Differences in Appearance
The appearance of the skin can provide significant clues in differentiating these two conditions. Paget’s disease often presents with more severe and persistent symptoms compared to eczema. The skin changes associated with Paget’s may include a scaly, crusty patch that can be painful or itchy, and these changes are usually more pronounced. In contrast, eczema may appear as a more generalized rash that can be itchy but is less likely to cause the same level of discomfort or localized changes seen in Paget’s disease.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
Given the potential seriousness of Paget’s disease, it is essential for individuals who notice any unusual changes in the skin of the nipple to seek medical advice promptly. While eczema can often be managed with topical treatments, Paget’s disease requires a more comprehensive approach, often involving further diagnostic procedures such as a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
In summary, while both nipple eczema and Paget’s disease can cause skin changes in the nipple area, the key differences lie in their location, severity, and implications for health. Understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring timely and appropriate medical intervention.

How to tell the difference between eczema and breast cancer?

Breast eczema isn’t usually a symptom of breast cancer. However, if you are experiencing tingling, flaking, or crusting of the nipple, you should talk to your doctor to help rule out Paget disease — a rare breast cancer.

What is the most common age for females to be diagnosed with Paget’s disease?

Paget’s disease of the breast occurs most often after age 50. Most people with this diagnosis also have underlying ductal breast cancer, either in situ — meaning in its original place — or, less commonly, invasive breast cancer. Only rarely is Paget’s disease of the breast confined to the nipple itself.

Does Paget’s disease respond to steroid cream?

The most common symptom is itching in the affected skin. Often people have had long-term itching over years which has failed to respond to moisturisers or steroid creams. Pain and bleeding may occur, particularly if the skin is scratched. 1 in 10 patients will experience no symptoms at all.

What can be mistaken for Paget’s disease breast?

It usually affects one breast only. Paget’s disease of the nipple is often mistaken for: Eczema (a type of skin rash). Mastitis (an infection associated with breastfeeding).

Does Paget’s disease look like eczema?

Symptoms of Paget’s disease of the nipple
The nipple can sometimes be ulcerated. The rash is often similar in appearance to other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. If you scratch it, or if it’s left untreated, it can bleed, become ulcerated or scab over.

How long can you have Paget’s disease of the breast without knowing?

People with Paget disease of the breast have often had symptoms for several months before being correctly diagnosed.

How quickly does Paget’s disease of the breast progress?

The progression of Paget’s disease of the breast can vary widely. It can develop slowly over several months or years. It can also progress more quickly, especially if associated with underlying invasive breast cancer.

How do you rule out Paget’s disease of the breast?

A skin biopsy is often used to confirm a diagnosis of Paget’s disease of the nipple. A small tissue sample will be taken from your nipple or the skin around it. The sample will be examined under a microscope and tested to see if it’s cancerous.

Do I have eczema or cancer?

Skin Changes: Both conditions can result in visible changes to the skin, including dryness, scaliness, and patches. Rashes: Eczema often manifests as red, inflamed rashes, while certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell skin cancer, may present as raised, red, or scaly patches.

What does a cancerous breast rash look like?

While most types of breast cancer present as a firm, palpable lump, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is different. This rare and aggressive cancer—which makes up only 1% to 5% of all breast cancer cases—causes a rash that can make breast skin to look: Shades of red, pink or purple. Bruised.