MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Intraductal papilloma

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Intraductal papilloma

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment	Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Needle biopsy of the breast

Intraductal papilloma

Abnormal discharge from the nipple

Definition Return to top

Intraductal papilloma is a small, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows within a milk duct of the breast.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Intraductal papilloma occurs most frequently in women between the ages 35-55. The causes and risk factors are unknown.

Symptoms Return to top

breast pain
nipple discharge, sometimes bloody, from one breast only
staining may be noticed inside the bra and/or clothing
breast lump
breast enlargement

Signs and tests Return to top

Intraductal papilloma is the most common cause of spontaneous nipple discharge from a single duct.
A small lump beneath the nipple may be felt by the examiner, but it is not always palpable.
A mammogram often does not show papillomas. Ultrasound may be helpful.
An x-ray with contrast injected into the affected duct (ductogram) may be performed.
Cellular (cytologic) examination of discharge may be performed to identify potentially malignant (cancerous) cells.
A breast biopsy is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis and rule out cancer.

Treatment Return to top

Surgical removal (excision) of the involved duct and the mass of cells is done for a biopsy and to assure that cancer is not present.

Support Groups Return to top

There may be local support groups available for women with breast disease in your area. You should ask your doctor or health care provider for recommendations.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome is expected to be excellent for patients with solitary tumors. Patients with multiple papillomas or who develop them at an early age may have an increased risk of developing cancer, particularly if they have a family history of cancer or there are abnormal cells in the biopsy.

Complications Return to top

The possible complications of surgery include bleeding, infection, and the risk of the anaesthesia used. If the biopsy shows cancer, further surgery may be needed.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for your health care provider if you notice any breast discharge or discover a breast lump.

Prevention Return to top

There is no known prevention. Breast self-examination and screening mammography may allow early detection.

Update Date: 11/4/2003

Updated by: Grace Jeon, M.D., M.P.H, General Surgeon, Pasadena, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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