What to expect from mastectomy for Paget disease of the breast

Paget disease affects the nipple area and may occur with changes elsewhere in the breast. Your surgeon will discuss whether mastectomy is appropriate based on examination, imaging, and biopsy information. The operation can remove the breast, nipple, and areola; lymph nodes may also be assessed when indicated. Reconstruction may be discussed before surgery or at a later stage.

The hospital team usually explains anaesthesia, pain control, dressings, and drains. The chest can feel sore, tight, bruised, numb, or unusually sensitive. Pathology examines the removed tissue and helps guide decisions about further treatment.

Bring a complete medicine list and mention blood-thinning medicines, allergies, and health conditions. Plan transport and practical support for the first days at home. Follow the team’s instructions for bathing, dressing changes, drain measurement, prescribed medicines, and arm exercises. Avoid rubbing the incision and postpone demanding activity until cleared.

Keep appointments for wound review and pathology results. If reconstruction is being considered, ask how it affects timing, recovery, and future breast or chest checks.

Report fever, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus-like fluid, wound opening, rapidly increasing swelling, uncontrolled pain, or a drain that suddenly changes. Get emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or collapse.

Why is mastectomy recommended for my Paget disease? Will lymph nodes be assessed? What reconstruction choices are available? How will the nipple-area symptoms be monitored? When should I expect pathology results and the next treatment discussion?