Eczema and Paget’s disease are two conditions that can involve the skin on your breast. While eczema is a common skin condition, Paget’s disease is a rare type of breast cancer.
Eczema is a skin condition that can occur on the skin in any area of your body. Different types of eczema can have different causes for each person. Millions of people in the United States have this condition, experiencing skin changes such as a change in color, itching, and scaling.
Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer that can cause symptoms similar to eczema. For this reason, it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish one condition from the other. If you notice changes in the skin of your breast, you may consider seeing a doctor.
It’s important to remember that eczema is much more common than Paget’s disease, so Paget’s disease is less likely to be the cause of your symptoms. If you have any concerns, reach out to a healthcare professional.
Paget’s disease of the breast
Photography by Mixetto/Getty Images
Paget’s disease is a rare type of breast cancer that involves eczema-like changes to the skin of the areola and nipple. Paget’s disease accounts for between 0.5–5% of breast cancer cases. It typically occurs in only one breast, and in about 80–90% of cases, it occurs alongside other types of breast cancer.
The causes of Paget’s disease are not clear. However, specialists have two theories. One is that the development of Paget’s disease starts in the outer layers of the skin of the nipple, while the other is that the cancerous cells break off from a cancerous mass within the breast and reach the nipple by traveling through the milk ducts.
Some risk factors for Paget’s disease may include:
genetic mutations to genes linked to breast cancer
exposure to radiation, ultraviolet rays, or certain chemicals
previous history of breast cancer
previous history of noncancerous breast conditions like breast atypia
overweight and obesity
Paget’s disease is extremely rare in people assigned male at birth, and the mean age at diagnosis is 52 years. The symptoms of Paget’s disease may include:
The treatment for Paget’s disease depends on its stage and if cancer has spread to other areas of your body. The treatment may involve:
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
targeted therapy
hormone therapy
immunotherapy medications, like pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
surgery
If you undergo surgery, doctors may need to remove the breast with a mastectomy if it is not possible to remove only the cancerous lump with a lumpectomy. If desired, you can then undergo a surgical reconstruction of your breast or breasts.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects about 31 million people in the United States. Eczema may occur anywhere on your skin as a reaction of your immune system to irritants or allergens that come in contact with your skin. However, these triggers can vary from person to person.
oral steroid medications like prednisone (Prelone)
light therapy
injectable biologic medications
Avoiding exposure to your known eczema triggers and moisturizing your skin after showering or bathing can also help reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups.
Key similarities and differences
The following table will review the key similarities and differences between Paget’s disease and eczema:
Similarities
Differences
Skin discoloration and redness
Paget’s disease typically occurs in only one breast while eczema is very likely to develop in both.
Itching
Eczema typically affects only the areola and rarely involves the nipple, while Paget’s disease always affects the nipple.
Dry, rough, or flaky skin rash
In Paget’s disease, you may experience a yellow or bloody discharge from the nipple. Eczema does not cause any discharge.
Thickened skin
While Paget’s disease only affects the breast, eczema can occur anywhere on your skin. A person with breast eczema is likely to have other patches in other areas of their body.
If you notice any changes in your breast, such as the presence of lumps or skin changes, you should see a doctor. While Paget’s disease is rare, an early diagnosis and start of cancer treatment can improve the outlook of this condition.
Doctors can check your breasts and diagnose the causes of your skin changes. After receiving the diagnosis, the specialists can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Summary
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Paget’s disease is a rare type of breast cancer that often occurs alongside other types of breast cancer. Both conditions can display similar symptoms, and it may sometimes be difficult to tell them apart without undergoing testing.
Both conditions can cause skin discoloration, itchiness, and rash. The main difference between eczema and Paget’s disease is that it typically involves only one breast and the nipple, while eczema typically occurs on both breasts and rarely affects the nipple.
If you notice any changes in the skin or shape of your breast, you should see a doctor. While Paget’s disease is rare, early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook of breast cancer. Doctors can also recommend the most appropriate treatment for improving eczema.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
