Mammary Paget’s Disease as a Sign of Local Recurrence Two Decades Following Breast Conservation and Adjuvant Therapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer

TL;DR

A rare case shows mammary Paget’s disease appearing as a local recurrence of breast cancer over two decades after initial treatment.

Contribution

This case highlights the rare occurrence of MPD as a late recurrence of breast cancer and underscores the need for continued surveillance.

Findings

MPD can present as a late recurrence of breast cancer even after two decades of remission.

Non-malignant causes of nipple dermatitis may delay cancer diagnosis in such cases.

Vigilant cancer surveillance is crucial for presumed cured cancers to ensure timely intervention.

Abstract

Reports of mammary Paget’s disease (MPD) as a manifestation of breast cancer recurrence are rare. MPD presents a particular challenge when emerging more than two decades after a breast cancer treated with evidence-based therapy. There is a broad spectrum of non-malignant causes for dermatitis of the nipple during the initial presentation that may delay cancer work-up. This case highlights the MPD work-up and management in the context of a personal history of breast cancer. This unique clinical presentation emphasizes the importance of vigilant cancer surveillance for timely intervention, especially for a presumed cured cancer.

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