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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Nipple Dryness With Family History Of Breast Cancer?

Hi, I am getting extremely worried about my nipples. They were always a bit dry, but lately they got extremy dry, almost crusty, and I can t peel off that layer. It stays there until I guess bottom layer forms enough to allow this dry layer to peel off on Its own. It has no smell, I never noticed any discharge, it s usually both, but I see now more with my left nipple. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 60s. Should I be worried? I
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
There is an uncommon condition called Paget's disease of the breast, which is a form of breast cancer. The dryness and especially the crusty layers can be symptoms. Paget's disease is often mistaken for a benign skin condition in its early stages. The obvious symptoms occur on the nipple, but a tumor is usually present in the breast itself. You are right to be concerned. Get a mammogram, see your doctor for a breast exam, and perhaps also a biopsy of the nipple. Hope this helps.
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What Causes Nipple Dryness With Family History Of Breast Cancer?

There is an uncommon condition called Paget s disease of the breast, which is a form of breast cancer. The dryness and especially the crusty layers can be symptoms. Paget s disease is often mistaken for a benign skin condition in its early stages. The obvious symptoms occur on the nipple, but a tumor is usually present in the breast itself. You are right to be concerned. Get a mammogram, see your doctor for a breast exam, and perhaps also a biopsy of the nipple. Hope this helps.