What is a common finding in a patient with Paget's disease of the nipple?

In Paget's disease of the nipple, the hallmark finding is often redness and scaling of the nipple and areolar region. This condition can present with eczematous changes, which may include flaking, crusting, or dermatitis-like symptoms on the skin around the nipple.

These changes are due to the underlying malignancy associated with the disease, where malignant cells from breast duct carcinoma migrate to the skin of the nipple. As a result, the skin often becomes inflamed, leading to the characteristic redness and scaling that can be seen. This sign is particularly concerning and warrants further investigation to rule out breast cancer, as Paget's disease is frequently linked with underlying tumors.

While other symptoms such as itching, hard lumps, and discharge can occur in various breast conditions, they are not definitive findings of Paget's disease, which specifically points toward the inflammatory and dermatological changes observed in the nipple area.