Pagets diease of the breast

Bay21004

Has anyone who has Pagets disease had the nipple and areola removed from their left breast and gone thru radiation without getting an MRI?

Also when getting radiation on the left breast did anyone experience any problems with their heart or lungs?

MTwoman

Bay21004, I don't think that radiation is a treatment for Paget's without there being any other concurrent bc finding (i.e. Paget's plus DCIS or IDC). Surgery, yes, but radiation, I don't think so. Has this treatment been proposed by your treatment team?

nsdt

I have Paget's on my left breast. The cause of Paget's is not fully understood. The 2 theories are (1) that it is cancer that occurs just at the nipple and areola area and (2) the more prominant, that there is cancer in the ducts whether we can see it before surgery or not. Because of this latter understanding, the protocol for treating mammary Paget's is either (1) mastectomy or (2) removal of the infected area followed by radiation. An MRI is often used for additional information but whatever is found does not alter these basic options for treatment choices. If something was found, that would also want to be biopsied and/or removed and may weigh on your deciding which option you desire.

As far as if radiation effects your heart or lungs, I would be very curious on others' experiences!

My understanding is that they will keep an eye on your heart but that it is not a problem for a healthy heart. It is supposed to effect a small portion of one's lung but the radiologist told us that people generally notice no difference. It will effect your muscles in the area. If you use/stretch your pectoral muscles regularly for activities, that is a consideration.

Moderators

Hi Nsdt-

Welcome to BCO! We're glad you've found our community, and thank you so much for sharing your perspective!

The Mods