About Extramammary Paget's Disease Treatment Services
EMPD is frequently mistaken for eczema, a fungal infection, or another common rash—sometimes for years—which is why a persistent rash in these areas warrants a biopsy.
At Charleston Dermatology, our physicians and providers diagnose EMPD with a skin biopsy and then evaluate whether the disease is confined to the skin. Because a minority of cases are associated with an underlying internal cancer, appropriate screening is part of a thorough workup.
Treatment plans are built around your diagnosis and may include surgical removal—often Mohs surgery to trace the disease’s irregular edges—as well as topical treatments or radiation in select cases. With careful treatment and follow-up, most skin-confined EMPD is managed successfully. Schedule a visit and let our team give you clear answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is extramammary Paget's disease?
EMPD is a rare cancer of cells within the top layer of the skin, appearing in apocrine gland-rich areas like the vulva, scrotum, penis, groin, and perianal skin. It typically looks like a well-defined red, scaly, sometimes weeping patch that itches or burns and doesn’t respond to rash treatments.
What causes extramammary Paget's disease?
In most cases, EMPD arises on its own within the skin, and the cause is unknown. In a smaller number of cases it’s associated with an underlying cancer of nearby organs, which is why your provider may recommend additional screening after diagnosis. It most often affects adults over 60 and is more common in women.
How is extramammary Paget's disease treated?
Surgery is the mainstay, and Mohs micrographic surgery is often used because EMPD tends to extend beyond what the eye can see. Other options in select situations include prescription topical immunotherapy and radiation. Because EMPD can recur, long-term follow-up exams are an important part of every treatment plan.