Paget's disease of the nipple

Last reviewed 01/2018

Paget's disease of the nipple is a presentation of breast cancer that invariably, is associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma in the underlying breast. Typically, it presents as a unilateral red, bleeding, eczematous lesion of the nipple which is eventually eroded.

This condition occurs in approximately 1 in 50 breast cancers, and is most frequent among middle-aged and elderly women.

About 40% of cases present with a palpable lump, a relatively late stage.

Rarely Paget's disease may affect other apocrine gland-bearing areas such as the vulva.

Click here for example images of Paget's disease of the nipple