Paget Disease of the Breast
What is Paget disease of the breast?
Paget disease of the breast (Paget disease of the nipple) is a rare carcinoma in situ in the skin of the nipple or in the skin closely surrounding the nipple. It’s usually found with an underlying breast cancer.
About 1% to 3% of breast cancers also involve Paget disease of the breast [22-23].
Warning signs of Paget disease of the breast
Warning signs of Paget disease of the breast include [22-23]:
- Itching, burning, redness or scaling on the skin on the nipple or areola (the skin closely surrounding the nipple)
- Bloody or yellowish discharge from the nipple
- A flattened nipple
If you notice any of these changes, see a health care provider.
Find images of warning signs of breast cancer.
Diagnosis of Paget disease of the breast
Paget disease of the breast is usually found when an underlying breast cancer is diagnosed. In these cases, the tumor grows from underneath the nipple and breaks out onto the skin surface of the nipple.
Paget disease of the breast can also be diagnosed from a biopsy of the nipple skin and the tissue just below the skin. This may be done with a punch biopsy (removal of a small circle of skin to be tested for cancer cells) or other nipple biopsy procedure.
Treatment and prognosis of Paget disease of the breast
Paget disease of the breast can be found with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer [22-23]. Treatment and prognosis (chances for survival) of Paget disease of the breast depend on the underlying breast cancer [22-23].
Learn about treatment for invasive breast cancer.
Learn about treatment for DCIS.
You’re not alone
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s normal to feel worried or scared about going through treatment and the side effects you may have. Many people have been where you are today. They had the same fears.
It may be helpful for you to talk about how you’re feeling and get support from others. Having people in your life who can relate to some of what you’re going through may help you feel less alone.
You could share your experiences and advice with others. You can do this in a support group or by connecting one-on-one with another person with breast cancer through a peer-mentoring program. A social worker or patient navigator can help you find these resources.
You can also talk with your health care providers about how you’re feeling. They care about your overall well-being and want to help. They may connect you to a mental health provider on your health care team, such as a social worker, for emotional support.
Our Support section has a list of resources to help find local and online support groups and other resources.
Learn more about social support and support groups.
Learn about healthy ways to cope with stress.
Financial assistance
Costs related to breast cancer care can quickly become a financial burden. Dealing with finances and insurance can be overwhelming.
Many cancer centers have financial counselors who can discuss insurance and cost coverage with you.
Learn more about insurance plans and prescription drug assistance programs.
Learn more about other financial assistance programs.
Susan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Updated 03/05/25
This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.
