Everyone is different, and the treatments recommended for Paget's disease of the nipple may vary according to individual circumstances.
Treatment for Paget’s disease of the nipple will depend on how much of the nipple, areola and breast is involved.
Where Paget’s disease of the nipple is the only cancer in the breast, treatment usually involves:
If invasive breast cancer or DCIS is present in the same breast the recommended treatment options may be different.
In addition, some women with Paget’s disease of the nipple choose to use complementary therapies or may be involved in a clinical trial.
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Breast surgery
Surgery for Paget’s disease of the nipple usually involves removal the nipple and some surrounding tissue. If the nipple is the only area of the breast affected, it’s possible that only the nipple and an area of healthy tissue around it will be removed. This is known as breast conserving surgery.
Removal of the whole breast (mastectomy) and/or removal of one or more lymph nodes from the armpit may be needed for some patients.
Radiotherapy
For women with Paget’s disease of the nipple, radiotherapy is almost always recommended after breast conserving surgery. Radiotherapy is sometimes recommended after mastectomy.
For some women with Paget’s disease of the nipple, radiotherapy may be the only treatment needed after the biopsy used during diagnosis.
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