Dark patch over areola

 

I discovered a patch darker layer of skin about the size of a 5cent coin on my areola bout 3 months ago. I have since applied some cream like furcicort and body lotion. Each time after applying, it gets dried and the dried skin will fall off,but the dark patch is still there and it is still dry, recently, after peeling off the dried skin, i realised that certain parts of it will bleed too… is this cancer? I do feel an itch ocassionally on the nipple and breast area too… the layer of dried skin has lessen compared to the early months but it’s still there…. what should i do?

THE BREAST DOCTORS SAY:

Many women develop harmless pigmentation of the skin over the areola region.  Sometimes it may be associated with eczema or dry skin condition.  However, a rare type of early breast cancer can present as skin changes over the nipple and areola.  If you do not have a history of eczema elsewhere, it occurs only on one breast, or it does not improve with appropriate topical cream treatment, then you will need a specialist consultation for further tests.  These further tests may include a mammogram, ultrasound or even a biopsy of the areola.