Sometimes, what looks like a simple skin irritation can be something far more serious. Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer that often first appears as a rash or eczema on the nipple and areola. Because it is so uncommon, many women (and even doctors) may mistake it for a skin condition, leading to delays in diagnosis.
At Learn Look Locate, our mission is to bring clarity and compassion to breast cancer education. By combining survivor voices and trusted medical expertise, we aim to make sure no one feels alone in this journey.
Paget’s disease of the breast accounts for only about 1–4% of all breast cancer cases. It begins in the nipple ducts and spreads to the nipple surface and areola, causing visible skin changes.
Unlike more common types of breast cancer, Paget’s can easily be mistaken for eczema or dermatitis, which makes awareness critical. You can read more about how Paget’s fits into the broader picture of types of breast cancer here on our site.
Paget’s disease often begins subtly. Early symptoms may include:
If you notice these symptoms and they don’t improve with standard treatments, it’s important to seek further evaluation.
Diagnosing Paget’s disease typically involves a physical exam, breast imaging and screening such as a mammogram or ultrasound, and often a biopsy of the nipple tissue.
While mammograms may detect underlying breast cancer, Paget’s disease itself may not always appear on imaging. This is why biopsy remains a key step.
Treatment usually depends on whether there is underlying breast cancer in the tissue. Options may include:
Many women facing Paget’s also encounter decisions about reconstruction. Learn more on our breast cancer surgery and reconstruction hub.
At Learn Look Locate, survivor voices are central to our mission. Laura Parker, diagnosed with both DCIS and Paget’s disease at age 34, shares her story of misdiagnosis and resilience. For two years, her symptoms were dismissed as a skin condition before she finally received the right answers. Today, she advocates so that other women don’t face the same delay.
Her courage reminds us all that knowledge is power—and persistence saves lives.
Q. What is Paget’s disease of the breast?
A: A rare breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola, often first appearing as a rash.
Q. How rare is Paget’s disease?
A: It accounts for about 1–4% of all breast cancers.
Q. Can it be mistaken for eczema?
A: Yes, this is one of the biggest challenges. Persistent rashes on the nipple should always be evaluated.
Q. Will a mammogram always detect Paget’s?
A: Not necessarily. Imaging may show underlying cancer, but a biopsy is often needed for confirmation.
Q. What treatments are available?
A: Surgery, radiation, and sometimes additional therapies depending on the stage and presence of invasive cancer.
Paget’s disease is rare, but awareness can save lives. If you have a persistent nipple rash, don’t dismiss it. Seek medical care and ask questions.
For additional support and education, explore these trusted Learn Look Locate resources:
At Learn Look Locate, we believe in peeling back the layers of breast cancer for deeper understanding. With guidance from our medical advisors, like Dr. Yara Robertson, and survivors like Laura Parker, we are committed to transforming fear into knowledge and isolation into connection—globally.
You are not alone. Together, we can unmask even the rarest forms of breast cancer.
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