When Is A Rash, Not A Rash
Mon Aug 01 2005

There is an e-mail making the rounds again lately that deserves more attention than just a blanket e-mail to all of your friends.

There is a rare form of breast cancer called Paget's Disease. This is not to be confused with the bone disease of the same name.

This cancer presents as a rash on the breast, usually in the area of the nipple.

Now, before some of you say to yourself, "I'm a man, I don't have to worry about breast cancer" (and hopefully it is only male readers who will be saying this to themselves), be aware that women are not the only ones who can contract breast cancer. Even though you have that Y chromosome, you still have tissue in your chest that is the same as the breast tissue women have. It’s called, ironically, breast tissue. Like all the cells of the body, these cells can become cancerous. Fortunately men have and advantage women don’t always have. The type of breast cancer they potentially could contract is almost always curable.

Back to Pagets.

It is very easy to misinterpret the symptoms as they do not present like any other type of cancer. Pagets will usually initially present as a rash similar to eczema. Sometimes the area may be red and inflamed, possibly with crusting, bleeding and ulceration. Some people complain of itching or burning, and fluid may lead from the area. Most significantly, there may not be a lump in the breast to indicate anything other than a rash.

If you have a rash that persists for more than a few days, and does not respond to normal treatment, see your doctor. This is true for anything folks, don't try to wait something out that lasts longer than it should. It may not be anything, but then again it may be something serious.

12 Comments
  • From:
    Sugardancer1007 (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Aug 01 2005
    I went to NY for my 36th birthday. It was a great 23hrs. We flew in, hit everything that was within walking distance and flew out again. I wouldn't mind going for a week and seeing more things. The one thing I remembered about that trip was how BUSY it was ALL the time and I felt hemmed in because everything is so big and tall. But it was my first time so I was a little overwhelmed. I am sure if I went back, I would be a jaded traveler with a more discerning eye. LOL!!
  • From:
    Pragmatist (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Aug 01 2005
    Interesting thing about the rash. But why hasn't it been published, at least in the womens section of the newspaper? This is important.

    I'm 10+ years post-mastectomy, so I'm beyond worry, but I have daughters and granddaughters who should know about this.

    Shalom
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Aug 01 2005
    Thanx for the info on pagets..
    That is a bunch of quizzes. You have infinitely more patience than this old lady.
    Have a wonderful week
    Oh I did find brat camp... Will check it out on Wednesday.. thanx for the tip
    Later
    ;P
  • From:
    Sezrah (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Aug 01 2005
    thats a good problem to have, the kids eating their food
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Aug 01 2005
    Those DO sound good!
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    Last father's day we had kabobs.. Salmon, with zucchini squash .. Chicken, beef, shrimp and halibut with pineapple. They were all coupled with different vegetables or fruit and delicious.. I love them too. but don't have a BBQ myself..
  • From:
    Onnylicious (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    lol
  • From:
    Britani18 (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    Thanks for the warning about the cancer; I'll definetly keep my eye out. Harry and the Potters sound very cute I'll have to check them out. Have a great week.

    Krista
  • From:
    Sugardancer1007 (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    I love kabobs too. Especially when the marinades are good. Have you tried catalina dressing w/worstershire sauce and garlic over chicken? It would probably taste good w/fish as well. Thats what I like the best, being able to try different marinades with the foods.

    I'll be praying for your family as your MIL makes this transition. I know it must be hard for all of you. (((hugs)))

    Lynn
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    I love graham cracker crust... yum. I think I have vanilla pudding in the house.... hmmmmmmm.

    Thanks!
  • From:
    Onnylicious (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    I will keep your MIL and SIL in my thoughts. I pray that a cure comes soon.
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Aug 02 2005
    I lost a very dear friend to MS a few years ago.. I agree.. she went through so much! In and out of the hospital.. Her mother was so upset to bury her daughter.. she just kept saying.. A mother is not supposed to outlive her child.
    It was very sad..
    My sympathy and love to your hubby
    and you!