Mammary Paget’s Disease (MPD)

Overview

Mammary Paget’s Disease is an uncommon type of breast cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and the surrounding darker area called the areola. It is usually associated with an underlying breast cancer within the breast tissue.

Mammary Paget’s disease often appears as persistent irritation or eczema-like changes of the nipple. Because the symptoms may resemble common skin conditions, diagnosis can sometimes be delayed unless carefully evaluated.

At Moolchand Hospital, patients with breast conditions receive comprehensive evaluation through advanced imaging, pathology services, and multidisciplinary cancer care. As a leading multi super speciality hospital in Delhi and a trusted hospital in Lajpat Nagar Delhi, Moolchand provides specialized treatment for complex breast diseases.

What is Mammary Paget’s Disease?

Mammary Paget’s disease is a rare cancer that begins in the nipple ducts and spreads to the surface of the nipple and areola. It typically occurs alongside another form of breast cancer such as:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  
  

• Invasive breast cancer
  
  

Cancer cells migrate through the milk ducts to the skin of the nipple, causing characteristic skin changes.

Although uncommon, early recognition and diagnosis are important for effective treatment.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Mammary Paget’s disease include:

• Persistent redness or rash on the nipple
  
  

• Flaky, scaly, or crusted skin around the nipple
  
  

• Burning, itching, or tingling sensation
  
  

• Nipple discharge
  
  

• Flattened or inverted nipple
  
  

• A lump in the breast in some cases
  
  

Symptoms usually affect only one breast.

Because these signs may resemble eczema or dermatitis, persistent nipple changes should always be medically evaluated.

Causes

The exact cause of Mammary Paget’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur when cancer cells from underlying breast tumors travel through the milk ducts to the nipple skin.

In rare cases, the disease may arise directly in the skin cells of the nipple.

Risk Factors

Factors associated with increased risk include:

• Increasing age
  
  

• Personal or family history of breast cancer
  
  

• Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
  
  

• Hormonal factors
  
  

• Dense breast tissue
  
  

Regular breast screening helps detect underlying breast cancers early.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis requires careful evaluation by specialists.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Clinical breast examination
  
  

• Mammography
  
  

• Breast ultrasound
  
  

• Breast MRI in selected cases
  
  

• Skin biopsy of the nipple
  
  

• Core needle biopsy of any underlying breast mass
  
  

These tests help confirm the diagnosis and detect any associated breast cancer.

At Moolchand Hospital Delhi, advanced imaging and pathology services ensure accurate diagnosis.