Extramammary Paget's Disease Quiz

Skin rashes can be VERY confusing. Most are due to contact with something irritating and are easily treated with over the counter creams. However, there are some that need to be seen by a physician and possibly biopsied. One of these is Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). It is a scaly, raised red to pink and grey rash that occurs most commonly where the skin is folded over such as the armpits, the genital areas, or the groin in men or women. EMPD is often ignored or diagnosed late due to its innocent appearance. It is important to see a physician if you have a rash in these areas that does not go away as it may be cancerous. Multiple treatments are available and patients do well when it is caught early.

• Black/blue/brown spots or moles, on the skin and lining of the mouth

• a white spot

• Skin Itching

• Lumps under the skin

• Scaly skin that flakes off

• Scab

• Skin redness or red bumpy rashes

The standard treatment is surgical removal of the cancer. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies may also be used depending on the exact nature of the underlying tumor if one is found. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment, however some lesions may not be easily removed surgically and may require radiation therapy or chemotherapy. There are also surface treatments such as lasers or photodynamic therapy that may be used. Close monitoring after successful treatment should be done for at least 5 years.