Paget disease of the breast—an easily overlooked disease?

✍ Scribed by Shyr-Ming Sheen-Chen; Han-Shiang Chen; Wei-Jen Chen; Hock-Liew Eng; Chih-Wei Sheen; Fong-Fu Chou

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 85 KB
• Volume: 76
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-4790
• DOI: 10.1002/jso.1043

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Paget disease of the breast has long been recognized as a distinct clinical disease. The clinical manifestations and outcomes of Paget disease of the breast were reviewed to understand its earlier diagnostic clues and achieve an optimal treatment plan.

Patients and Methods

Thirty‐one patients with Paget disease of the breast were included in this study. The postoperative outcomes and possible related prognostic factors were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival was 69%. Nineteen patients (61%, Group A) did not have a palpable breast mass and 12 patients (39%, Group B) had a palpable breast mass. There was significant difference (P < 0.01) in the 5‐year overall survival between Group A (94%) and Group B (19%). Group A patients had significantly higher incidences of underlying noninvasive breast carcinoma (73% vs. 8%, P < 0.01) and n0 lymph nodes status (84%vs. 50%, P = 0.043) than those of Group B.

Conclusions

Paget disease of the breast without a palpable breast mass carries a more favorable prognosis. Patients with any nipple complaints deserve a detailed evaluation even in the absence of a palpable breast mass in order not to overlook a favorable disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;76:261–265. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.