Final answer:
Paget's disease of the bone is primarily treated with bisphosphonates to slow down the activity of osteoclasts and prevent further bone deformities. Lapatinib, a HER2 inhibitor, is used as a treatment in cases of HER2-positive breast cancer, which is different from Paget's disease of the breast or bone. Standardized tests for diagnosing Paget's disease of the bone involve blood levels of alkaline phosphatase and imaging studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paget's disease of the breast, a rare type of breast cancer, is often treated with a combination of therapeutics targeting the breast tissue directly. For instance, surgery could be involved to remove the affected breast tissue, and depending on the case, radiotherapy may also be employed. However, this context brings about confusion because Paget's disease can also refer to a bone disease unrelated to breast cancer. The information initially given relates to Paget's disease of bone, which requires a different treatment approach.
The primary treatment for Paget's disease (bone) usually involves bisphosphonates to regulate bone remodeling and minimize bone deformities. The goal is to suppress the overactive osteoclasts that cause excessive bone resorption. Despite the risk of making bones brittle over time, bisphosphonates significantly reduce the likelihood of deformities and fractures. Alongside medication, lifestyle adjustments for managing osteoporosis, such as removing tripping hazards to prevent falls, are also recommended for these patients. Notably, in cases where Paget's disease of breast is intended, the treatment differs significantly, involving surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy like HER2 inhibitors (e.g., Lapatinib), depending on the cancer phenotype and stage.
Blood tests measuring alkaline phosphatase levels are important in diagnosing Paget's disease of the bone, whereas breast cancer may involve imaging and biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant cells in the breast tissue.