Paget's disease is a special type of cancer, the localization of which is concentrated in the nipple and areola. It was found that in 95% of cases, this disease is associated with breast cancer. At risk are people in the age category of 50 years. Very rarely, Paget's cancer overcomes young 20-year-old girls. Moreover, the male gender is not immune from this disease.
This term got its name from the name of the specialist who first identified the changes that occur with the nipple in breast cancer. The name of this scientist is also associated with Paget-Schrötter syndrome, which involves clogging of blood vessels and manifests itself in the form of acute pain, swelling of the limbs, cramps and discomfort during movement.
Until now, scientists can not come to a consensus on the source of the disease. Their findings were divided into two main theories. According to the first, Paget's disease develops as a result of the formation of a breast tumor. As evidence, there are data that indicate that in most patients, in addition to nipple cancer, a tumor is detected. Adherents of the second theory claim that Paget's disease is an independent disease, not provoked by anything.
The main symptomatic manifestations are external changes in the nipple: it acquires a pronounced red tint, peeling appears and scales form. Unfortunately, at the first stage of cancer development, the symptoms are almost not noticeable and do not cause anxiety in the patient. A timely visit to a doctor can greatly facilitate the healing process. Moreover, in the future the symptoms may completely disappear, but rejoice too early, because this is just the calm before the storm. The resumption of symptoms is carried out with greater force, since now the person experiences severe itching of the nipples, burning and minor pain. Other symptoms include hypersensitivity, the presence of secretions.
At the initial examination, a specialist can detect the formation of small cones. If you seek help on time, then the cancer will only affect the nipple and the area around it. As a rule, these symptoms appear only on one mammary gland. In exceptional cases, cancer affects both breasts. There are situations when Paget's disease helped to detect a tumor with metastases to the lymph nodes, and such a pattern is observed in half of the patients.
The tumor is not always associated with the nipple, because the deterioration of the condition of the aroel can be accompanied by an increase in the tumor node. In men, this disease is more severe, as it is detected much later. At the same time, peeling and discoloration of the skin appear in the nipple region, the patient complains of severe itching and burning. On examination, there may be an increase or swelling of the lymph nodes.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, a skin biopsy is performed , and a sample of the discharge is also examined. According to the results of the tests, we can talk about the presence of the disease. With a positive diagnosis, the mammary gland is examined for tumor formation. Previously, specialists tried to protect both themselves and the patient from inaccurate diagnosis, because the symptoms are very similar to dermatology, therefore, if there were suspicions, a wait-and-see attitude was used. Over the course of a year, a person was simply examined, and, making sure their own conclusions were correct, treatment was started.
Often, doctors have to resort to the method of surgical intervention, since only it gives a guarantee of complete recovery. In case of Paget's disease, the choice of a specific method of treatment is made depending on the specific stage of development.