By Sydney Tateo, DNP, ARNP
October is breast cancer awareness month. Each year I like to take this opportunity to educate others as to why checking your skin is so important, not just in regards to skin cancer, but also in the setting of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women, with skin cancer being the first. In fact, 1 in 8 woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Aside from annual screening mammograms, routine breast self-exams can serve as an important screening tool. What does this have to do with skin you may ask? Well, not all types of breast cancer form “lumps” that can be felt. Many who perform these self-exams focus only on how the tissue feels, not realizing how important visual inspection is. Breast cancer may cause changes in the outward appearance of the breast or only demonstrate skin manifestations.
In fact, there are two rare types of breast cancer, in which the first symptom is often a change in the skin rather than the classic breast “lump”. These skin changes include a change in color, texture, or even altered sensation such as itching, pain, burning, or tingling.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast is a rare form of breast cancer in which the initial change you may notice is a rash on the breast and/or nipple. The rash is generally seen on one breast- not both, and usually begins on or near the nipple. It may be dry, flakey, itchy, and/or crusty. Patients often attempt to treat the rash assuming they simply have a stubborn irritation. In fact, Paget’s disease often mimics benign skin rashes, such as eczema.
Inflammatory breast cancer is the second type of breast cancer that can present with visible symptoms on the skin. The skin overlying the breast may be red, hot, or sore. The texture of the skin may also feel thicker or bumpy, mimicking the texture of an orange peel. Change in nipple shape, such as inversion of the nipple is also a red flag.
Of course none of these symptoms alone are diagnostic for breast cancer, but a healthcare provider should promptly evaluate them. Please do not ignore subtle changes in the appearance or feel of your breasts!
Sydney Tateo, DNP, ARNP
Sydney is a board-certified nurse practitioner who grew up in Naples. She attended the University of Florida for both her undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition to her academic achievements, Sydney has also published research in the Journal of American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
While pursuing her doctorate degree, Sydney worked as a registered nurse in dermatology. Her invaluable background as a bedside nurse underlies her individualized approach to each patient. Upon completion of her doctoral program, she continued her career in dermatology. Trained by several recognized dermatologists and Mohs surgeons, Sydney joins Skin Wellness Physicians with diverse training and experience. She treats a wide array of skin, hair, and nail conditions and welcomes both pediatric and adult patients.
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