Intraductal Papilloma

What is an Intraductal Papilloma?

Intraductal papillomas are small, wart-like tumors that are made up of glandular tissue, fibrous tissue and blood vessels. They exact cause of intraductal papillomas is unknown. There are two types of intraductal papillomas:

Solitary papilloma: A single tumor that usually form in the large milk ducts near the nipple. They can sometimes be felt as a small lump near the nipple. They can cause bloody or clear discharge from the nipple of the affected breast and can be painful. Solitary papillomas most often occur in women ages 35 – 55.

Multiple papillomas (papillomatosis): When multiple papillomas form, it’s generally in the smaller milk ducts further away from the nipple. They are also likely to occur in both breasts and are less likely to cause discharge. Unlike solitary papillomas, papillomatosis is more likely to affect younger women.

Papilloma Symptoms

Not all women who develop intraductal papillomas will experience symptoms, but common symptoms include:

• Clear or bloody nipple discharge, usually affecting only one breast
• Small lump behind the nipple
• Breast pain located in a specific area of the breast

Diagnosing and Treating Intraductal Papillomas

To diagnose an intraductal papilloma, your healthcare provider will first conduct a physical exam. They may be able to feel a lump near the nipple, but not always. They can observe the presence of any nipple discharge, especially if it’s only on one breast, which can be indicative of a papilloma. Other tests that may be conducted include:

• Mammogram
• Breast ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Needle or surgical biopsy

A biopsy can rule out breast cancer and help your provider make a more definitive diagnosis of an intraductal papilloma.

Treatment for an intraductal papilloma includes the surgical removal of the milk duct. If cancer is ruled with a single papilloma and it is not causing any issues, you can opt for simple observation of the papilloma over time with frequent exams and imaging. However, if you develop multiple papillomas, surgical removal is usually recommended because it may indicate an increased risk of cancer.

Papillomas and Cancer Risk

Single papillomas do not appear to increase the risk for breast cancer. However, the cancer risk may be slightly higher in women who:

• Have multiple papillomas
• Develop papillomas at a younger age
• Have a family history of cancer

Regular screening mammograms is the best way to diagnose breast abnormalities and catch cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most likely to be successful.