rash on breast

[Snufi]

Hi to all, I am new just diagnosed few months ago. I am now worried about my sister who says she has had a strange rash around the nipple area with flaking that comes and goes, this has been going on for about 6 mos. Now today my 17 yr. old daughter shows me a rash also on this area. She says has been on and off. Hers burns more while my sister's itches more. Any ideas what this could be.

Snufi

[Audrey]

Hi Snufi,
I would recommend that your sister and daughter get checked out by a breast surgeon as soon as possible just to make sure it is nothing serious. My breast cancer started out as a scaly nipple rash with occasional bleeding. Everyone told me it was nothing serious and my ob/gyn gave me this cream to put on it to stop the itching...after a few months it still hadn't cleared up and I was sent to a breast surgeon for a nipple biopsy. The biopsy showed cell changes (hyperplasia? I think it was called). Anyway, to make a long story short, what started out as a nipple rash/discharge in January 2001 was ultimately diagnosed (after mastectomy--the pathologist's report) as Paget's disease, along with ductal carcinoma in situ, along with invasive cancer. Even though my mammogram and ultrasound were inconclusive, I actually had a large tumor growing behind the nipple. I was completely shocked that this turned out to be so serious after months of hearing "not to worry"-- Now I also recommend getting a biopsy right away to be sure! (On a happier note, after surgery, radiation, chemo and Herceptin for a year, I am doing great seven years later)-- Anything unusual on the breast, get it checked out and maybe a second opinion, too.

[Snufi]

To Audrey, why did you have a double masectemy? did you have pagets disease on both sides? My daughter and sister have the rash on both sides and I read that it is very rare to have pagets on both sides?

[charlotte]

I agree with other posts.my rash on my chest area was quite large , by the time the Dr's looked at.. Dr#1 "I don't know what this is....Dr. #2 said about the same exact words... meanwhile the area kept on growing.
By the time it was biopsed it had grown to an alarming rate..I was told by 2 Dr's to apply some type of cream on the affected area..failed that miserably.
Anyway, I wish you all the luck with this rash you have now..
I don't mean to alarm you, just wanted to tell you to, please have this checked out soon, by a breast surgeon.

['lizbeth]

I had Pagets of the nipple with the flaking skin. It would clear up and come back, then it took off with a vengence.

Better safe than sorry - I'd have them check it out too.

[Believe51]

Wondering how the girls are doing? Do you have an update yet?

Just wanted to know that I am thinking and praying for them....and you>>Believe51

[juanita]

hope that this turns out to be nothing! sending lots of prayers your way!