Which type of breast cancer presents with eczematous lesions of the nipple?

Paget disease of the nipple is characterized by the presence of eczematous lesions on the nipple and the surrounding areola. This condition is considered a form of breast cancer, specifically an extension of underlying ductal carcinoma, often in situ. The typical presentation includes symptoms such as itching, burning, and flaking of the nipple skin, which resemble eczema or dermatitis.

The connection between Paget disease and breast cancer lies in its origin from malignancies that arise in the milk ducts, leading to the characteristic lesions. Recognizing these lesions is crucial in the early detection of breast cancer, as they can be one of the first signs of the disease.

In contrast, infiltrating lobular carcinoma and medullary carcinoma typically do not present primarily with eczematous changes. Instead, infiltrating lobular carcinoma may manifest with subtle thickening of breast tissue and is often more diffuse in presentation, while medullary carcinoma may be associated with a well-circumscribed mass with less of a distinction regarding the nipple appearance. Triple-negative breast cancer, being a subtype of breast cancer defined by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors as well as HER2 expression, does not have a direct association with eczematous nipple lesions.

Understanding