Has anyone had Paget's disease of the vulva?
I am about to have my 6th vulva surgery for Paget's of the vulva in less than 10 years. That means for about a month after surgery I cannot drive, sit or walk, & I am the my husband's caregiver.
I also had a mastectomy 10 years ago, but was told they were unrelated. Also unrelated is any support for Paget's disease. They have marches for breast cancer. Yet I have never met someone with Paget's. Even this message box underlines the word Paget's as if I am misspelling the word!!
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I actually saw my oncologist yesterday after a CT scan and blood tests. Not the surgeon or hospital where the Paget's was discovered. Gynecologist are centred at a different hospital. My oncologist has ordered a biopsy of a lymph gland in my neck, a PET scan which will apparently show signs if there is cancer. Plus an MRI. He is very concerned (as am I) about cancer not necessarily related to the Paget's. He said there's no way to know it is invasive without tests like biopsies, if I understood correctly. That blood tests aren't precise enough... anyhow - I am shaken - but so thankful not to, at 77 1/2 have gone for the horrific, very large surgery that was suggested for Paget's. I may be dealing with an entirely different beast - and will know more after the PET scan, etc.
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1 ReactionHow do you know it is not invasive? Did they test lymph nodes? I 'm hoping I can get some sort of treatment like you are doing. I'm not a candidate for surgery as I am 85, on Eliquis (blood thinner) because of A-fib. Have hiatal hernia, diabetes, arthritis and many other old-age type of disorders.
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1 ReactionNo. I didn't try surgery. It's not unbearable. Itch and burn. Cannabis products prescribed help. The surgery would be massive including taking skin from my thighs. There has been very little experience with EMPD where I am. I suspect some people mis-diagnosed as I was for about 10 years. My life is good. I'm 77. going on 78. The idea that it just keeps coming back - I'm opting right now for quality of life. As far as I know it is not invasive. I get test results of scan next Friday.
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1 ReactionThank you for sharing your story. So just to clarify, you did try surgery in the past, but have now decided to do without surgery? Where are you at with things now? Hope you are healing!
I was able to have less pain too, by using the topical lidocaine, in conjunction with an ice pack, applied before and after each biopsy. They told me the painful part of the injection is the chemical used to limit bleeding (forgetting the name at the moment) epinephrine (? ). Not all lidocaine shots carry epinephrine. You can try asking for one without the epinephrine.
I certainly will. But I'm not getting many answers these days. Couldn't be because this is such a rare disease, could it?
Hi! I do not know what a punch biopsy is, but when you find out, can you share with me? Best regards, Bijou
bijou68
I have another question maybe you can answer. I don't remember who mentioned this, but what is a punch biopsy?
Is there anyone who lives near St Louis, MO and has had found a place to get treatment?
I went to my dermatologist who discovered the EMPD and he said he found on place that would take me as a patient. That was St Louis University in St Louis. I live 55 miles from there but I'm sure that is the closest place for me. Washington University is the most prestigious research hospital near me. Surprised they were not interested in my case. I'm just glad there is at least ONE place where I can go for treatment. My appt is June 19. So I have a few more weeks to stew about this.
I am going to see a dermatologist tomorrow. Will discuss all with him. Area doesn't look too bad. Thank you for your help.
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