Extramammary Paget’s Disease (EMPD) Symptoms
What are the symptoms of extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD)?
Most commonly extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) symptoms appear in genital, perineum, anal or armpits areas of women or men. In exceptionally rare cases, EMPD can appear elsewhere in the body. EMPD generally affects women and men over the age of 40, with the average age for EMPD diagnosis being 66. In spite of that, EMPD has been diagnosed in people as young as 17 years old. EMPD patients frequently indicate one or more of these symptoms:
Redness
Rash
Mild to unrelenting itching
Burning sensation
Pain or soreness
Pruritus
Scaliness
Crusty
Flaky
Weeping
Inflammation
Irritation
Pimple
Lump
Inflamed hair follicle
Painful erosion
Bleeding lesions
Ulcerated lesions
Enlarged regional lymph nodes
Subtle skin change
Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) symptoms can be similar to other maladies which is why EMPD is oftentimes misdiagnosed as: acantholytic squamous cell cancer (aSCC), anogenital intraepithelial neoplasia, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, cervical carcinoma, chronic dermatitis, condylomata acuminate, contact dermatitis, Crohn’s disease, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, fungal infections, hidradenitis suppurativa, histiocytosis, intertrigo, jock itch (tinea cruris), leukoplakia, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, lichen simplex chronicus, melanoma, moniliasis, mycosis fungoides, non-resolving eczema, plaque psoriasis, pruritus, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, spongiotic dermatitis and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
EMPD can appear in a variety of ways. EMPD most often appears with rash-like lesions or changes to skin color. The majority of people that are diagnosed with EMPD report itching, burning, or soreness. EMPD can also present with scaliness or nodules. EMPD may manifest with ill-defined margins.
EMPD patients may have only one symptom, multiple symptoms, or in rare cares no symptoms. The onset of EMPD may be subtle and EMPD is not always visible to the naked eye. EMPD does not respond to typical therapies, which can create clinical suspicion. If you have some of these lingering symptoms visiting your doctor would be prudent.
To avoid delayed extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) diagnosis, those with EMPD symptoms often visit a dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist or surgeon to speed diagnosis. The type of doctor a person may visit can vary by region or country.
A biopsy, along with immunohistochemical staining of the tissue, can determine whether you have EMPD. It is not unusual for EMPD biopsies to be reviewed by pathologists at a 'center of excellence' to insure that the patient has received the correct diagnosis. Based on the findings of the myEMPD support group, 2% of those with an EMPD diagnosis are ultimately found to have a different condition.
This website is dedicated to assisting those that have been diagnosed with extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), those who have EMPD symptoms, and family members of those with EMPD. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
ADDITIONAL EMPD INFORMATION
Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) symptoms, treatment, and overview information may be found here:
The content presented on this website, encompassing both textual material and visual media, serves educational and informational purposes aimed at aiding individuals affected by extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) and their families in comprehending the complexities associated with EMPD. It is imperative to note that the website is not designed to serve as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Furthermore, the website does not advocate for or endorse any specific treatments, tests, physicians, procedures, or products. Should you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of EMPD, we strongly advise you to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.