Pagets disease of the breast is a proliferation of malignant glandular epithelial cells in the nipple areolar epidermis.

What is the Pathology of Pagets Disease of the Breast?

The pathology of Pagets disease of the breast is:

-Etiology: The cause of pagets disease of the breast is an underlying ductal breast cancer in which the malignant cells travel through milk ducts to the nipple and its surrounding skin.

-Genes involved: HER2/NEU

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to Pagets disease of the breast is the epidermis of the nipple is infiltrated by large neoplastic cells of glandular origin induced by a motility factor that acts via the HER2/NEU receptor.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with Pagets disease of the breast is typically a lump or assymetry.

-Histology: The histology associated with pagets disease of the breast shows isolated and loosely clustered malignant glandular cells with enlarged nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and pale cytoplasm detected among squamous cells.

How does Pagets Disease of the Breast Present?

Patients with Pagets disease of the breast typically are either male or female with nipple concerns.

How is Pagets Disease of the Breast Diagnosed?

Pagets disease of the breast is diagnosed clinically and confirmed by histologic examination.

How is Pagets Disease of the Breast Treated?

Pagets disease of the breast is treated with breast conserving therapy with central lumpectomy and whole breast irradiation for patients with limited disease. Surgical intervention may be utilized for larger lesions.

What is the Prognosis of Pagets Disease of the Breast?

The prognosis of pagets disease of the breast is fair.