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Paget disease of the breast

(PA-jet dih-ZEEZ ...)
A rare type of breast cancer that involves the nipple and, usually, the areola (the darker circle of skin around the nipple). Symptoms of Paget disease of the breast include itching, tingling, or redness in the nipple and/or areola; flaking, crusty, or thickened skin on or around the nipple; a flattened nipple; and yellowish or bloody discharge from the nipple. The affected breast may also have one or more tumors. Most people with Paget disease of the breast also have ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 0 breast cancer) or invasive breast cancer. Also called mammary Paget disease and Paget disease of the nipple.
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Illustration of Paget disease of the breast. Drawing shows a front view of the breast with redness and crusting of the nipple and areola. Also shown is a cross section of the breast with cancer cells in the breast ducts.Enlarge this image in new window
Paget disease of the breast is a rare type of cancer involving the nipple and usually the areola (the darker circle of skin around the nipple). Symptoms usually include redness in the nipple and/or areola and itchy, crusty, flaking, or thickened skin on or around the nipple.
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