Learn About Intraductal Papilloma
Intraductal papilloma is a small, noncancerous (benign) tumor that grows in a milk duct of the breast.
Intraductal papilloma occurs most often in women ages 35 to 55. The causes and risk factors are unknown.
Symptoms include:
- Breast lump
- Nipple discharge, which may be clear or bloodstained
These findings may be in just one breast or in both breasts.
For the most part, these papillomas do not cause pain.
If there is nipple discharge, the duct is removed with surgery if imaging did not show a lump that can be checked with a needle biopsy. If a needle biopsy shows an intraductal papilloma, the papilloma may be removed with surgery, or watched over time with exams and imaging.
Duke Cancer Center Raleigh
Scott Smith is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Smith is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intraductal Papilloma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Paget Disease of the Breast. Dr. Smith is currently accepting new patients.
Montefiore At 1250 Waters Place
Sheldon Marc Feldman, MD, is Chief, Breast Surgery and Breast Surgical Oncology, Professor, Surgery and Director, Breast Cancer Services at Montefiore Einstein. His clinical focus includes breast cancer, oncoplastic surgery with an emphasis on optimizing breast conservation, nipple-sparing mastectomy, minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, intraoperative radiation, targeted tumor ablation, lymphedema prevention, and complementary integrative holistic care with an emphasis on physician-patient communication. Dr. Feldman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intraductal Papilloma. His top areas of expertise are Intraductal Papilloma, Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, and Lymphadenectomy.
Advocate Medical Group Breast Surgery
Rachel Baer is a General Surgeon and a Vascular Surgeon in Elgin, Illinois. Dr. Baer is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intraductal Papilloma. Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Intraductal Papilloma, Lymphadenectomy, and Hernia Surgery.
For the most part, intraductal papillomas do not appear to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
The outcome is excellent for people with one papilloma. The risk for cancer may be higher for:
- Women with many papillomas
- Women who get them at an early age
- Women with a family history of cancer
- Women who have abnormal cells in the biopsy
Complications of surgery can include bleeding, infection, scarring, and anesthesia risks. If the biopsy shows cancer, you may need further surgery and treatment.
Contact your provider if you notice any breast discharge or a breast lump.
There is no known way to prevent intraductal papilloma. Breast self-exams and screening mammograms can help detect the disease early.
Published Date: November 25, 2023
Published By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cox DM, Lippe C, Geletzke AK, et al. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Disorders. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 14.
Davidson NE. Breast cancer and benign breast disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 183.
Klimberg VS, Hunt KK. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.