2026-09-14
<Shinyoo Clinic> Thought It Was Nipple or Areola Eczema, but It Turned Out to Be Breast Cancer?
Persistent itching in the nipple or areola may be mistaken for eczema, but could indicate Paget's disease, a rare stage 0 breast cancer requiring medical evaluation and surgical treatment options naturally explained here by Shinyoo Clinic specialists today in detail clearly without delay always for safety, care, diagnosis, and recovery protocols overall nicely summarized concisely here simply properly well written thoroughly accurately throughout completely effectively promptly today definitivel
<< Someone experiencing nipple itching asked a question:
Should I go to dermatology? Or should I go to breast surgery? >>
To be honest, either is fine.
... Thinking it was eczema,
they only applied ointment for 3 years...
< Turns out, it was Paget's disease.... >
The symptoms of Paget's disease are very similar to nipple-areola eczema.
That's because most of the time, it really is just eczema.
Paget's disease is rare. It is considered stage 0 cancer.
Since stage 0 is carcinoma in situ,
it is considered such a mild form of cancer
that even insurance companies often pay out relatively little.
<< How is surgery performed for Paget's disease? >>
It involves surgical excision of the nipple and areola, followed by suturing.
Then, since the patient is left without a nipple,
we recreate the nipple for them later on.
The nipple is restored through reconstruction surgery,
and the areola's appearance is shaped with medical tattooing.
<< But if it's treated with surgical excision,
does it mean it will never recur? >>
It could recur.
After all, it is still breast cancer.
Follow-up observation is necessary.
Rather than breast cancer being directly inherited,
it's not purely genetic X, but family history O.
Conclusion: If your nipple or areola itches, it could possibly be cancer,
so make sure to visit a breast surgery clinic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clinic should I visit if my nipple or areola is itchy?
You can visit either a breast clinic or a dermatology clinic. In most cases, it is likely just simple eczema; however, because it could rarely be Paget's disease—a type of breast cancer—we recommend visiting a breast clinic for an accurate evaluation if symptoms persist.
How is nipple eczema different from Paget's disease?
Their symptoms are very similar, but Paget's disease is a form of stage 0 breast cancer. While the vast majority of itching is eczema, Paget's disease is a rare carcinoma in situ that represents a very mild form of cancer and cannot be cured simply with topical eczema ointments.
How is surgery performed if Paget's disease is diagnosed?
Surgery involves the excision of the nipple and areola, which is then sutured closed. Because the nipple is absent following excision, nipple reconstruction surgery is performed at a later date, and the areola's appearance is restored using medical tattooing.
Can the cancer recur even after surgery for Paget's disease?
Yes, there is still a possibility of recurrence. Because Paget's disease is also a form of stage 0 breast cancer, it is essential to continue visiting the clinic for regular follow-up monitoring even after completing surgical treatment.
Is breast cancer a hereditary disease?
It is influenced more by family history than by direct single-gene inheritance alone. Rather than assuming breast cancer is purely a hereditary disorder, it is advisable to pay close attention to family history risk factors and undergo regular screenings.