OpenHealth Q&A

Is This Paget's Disease or Cancer? Symptoms in Right Breast - Update Included

I’m sharing this on behalf of my mother (using a throwaway account). **Demographics:** - **Gender:** Female - **Ethnicity:** Asian - **Age:** About to turn 43 this May - **Current Medication:** None, but she consumes glutathione and biotin gummies daily. **UPDATE:** On March 22nd, my mother began a course of antibiotics which has shown a positive effect on her symptoms. Earlier today (March 23rd), she observed that the redness around her nipple and areola has diminished, returning to a browner hue. The lesion that resembles a mole is flattening out, contrasting with the previous peeling and flakiness of the skin. She reported that the burning sensation has largely subsided; while she still experiences sporadic discomfort, it has significantly reduced, and she hasn’t needed any pain relief for the past 24 hours. The itching persists but is less severe than before. Additionally, her right breast has normalized in temperature, and her overall condition seems to be improving. Despite this, we remain vigilant and are eager to understand the underlying issue—suspecting it may have been an infection, which led her to start antibiotics. We would appreciate a second opinion. Thank you for your help. **ORIGINAL POST:** On March 17th, my mother observed a painless dark gray lesion next to her nipple on the areola of her right breast, roughly the same size as her nipple. She also began experiencing itchiness primarily in the upper part of her breast, but we didn’t think it warranted immediate concern, so we left it alone. Two days later (on March 20th), she discovered a clear fluid exuding from the lesion, which had stained her bra, although there was no discharge from her nipple. We considered this a non-issue as well. The itchiness would subside at times but would return, and notably, the size of the lesion remained unchanged. The following day (March 21st), my mother reported a burning sensation in her right pectoral area, along with discomfort in her side, armpit, and even her back, all on the same side as the lesion. When asked to rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, she stated it was between 7 and 8. Interestingly, she had experienced similar pain in those areas a few months back (around December to January), which resolved itself after several days. At that time, she had only taken pain relief, so we hoped that the same approach would eventually alleviate her symptoms once more. Earlier today, she noticed her right nipple and areola were now a striking dark pink, contrasting with the usual brown color of her left side. She doesn’t feel any pain on her nipple or areola, but her right breast is warm to the touch. Scratching the area causes temporary red rashes that quickly fade. The burning sensation persists in her right pectoral region, side of the breast, armpit, and back, prompting her to take pain relief for some comfort. The size of the lesion has not altered. Her right breast continues to itch intermittently and maintains a warm temperature. Aside from these symptoms, she has not experienced any other concerning signs. We are quite anxious about the possibility of Paget’s disease or cancer, so I’m seeking guidance and advice here. **Additional Information:** - Her menstrual cycle is approaching (scheduled for the last week of March). - Our family history includes my grandmother having cancer. - No issues in the left breast. - No lumps present. - Nipple appearance remains normal; no flatness or inversion. - No swelling or size alteration (her left breast is slightly larger by nature). - No scaliness or flakiness observed, and no discharge from the nipple. We would greatly appreciate any insights from the community on this matter. Thank you!

Answers (1)

3/23/2025, 1:10:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like your mother has experienced some concerning symptoms with her right breast, but it's encouraging to hear that there has been improvement since starting antibiotics. While the symptoms described could potentially relate to a range of conditions, including infections or skin conditions, it's important to keep a watchful eye on them for any significant changes.

Key Points:

1. Current Improvement: The decrease in redness, flattening of the lesion, and reduction in burning sensation are positive signs that suggest a possible infection is resolving.
2. Need for Monitoring: While the current symptoms may be improving, it is crucial to monitor them closely and any new developments.

Explanation:

• Possible Conditions: The symptoms you describe can be indicative of several conditions, including infections (like mastitis), dermatitis, or even Paget's disease of the nipple, although the latter typically presents with specific characteristics such as persistent itchiness, scaling, or discharge.
• Antibiotic Response: The fact that symptoms are improving with antibiotics suggests a bacterial infection might have been present, which can often resolve with appropriate treatment.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Monitoring: Keep a close watch on any changes in size, color, or texture of the lesion and the surrounding skin, as well as any new symptoms that may arise.
2. Symptom Diary: Document her symptoms daily, including any changes in itchiness, pain levels, and appearance of the lesion.
3. Follow-Up Care: Ensure she goes for a follow-up appointment with her healthcare provider after completing the antibiotics. Request a thorough examination to rule out any serious conditions and to get a clearer understanding of the underlying issue.
4. Manage Symptoms: Encourage her to manage any remaining discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief as needed, while keeping an eye on side effects.
5. Family History Awareness: Given the family history of cancer, discussing this with her doctor during follow-up is important, as they might recommend further assessments to ensure her peace of mind.

Conclusion:

It's understandable to feel anxious given the symptoms and family history. Keeping an open line of communication with healthcare professionals, especially during follow-up visits, will help address any concerns and guide you through the next steps. If any new symptoms arise, such as a rapid increase in pain, fever, or significant changes in the lesion, seek immediate medical advice.