What should you know about intraductal papilloma breast ultrasound?

An intraductal papilloma is a small growth arising inside a breast duct. It may be linked with nipple discharge or a small lump, though some people have no symptoms. During ultrasound, a clinician uses sound waves to examine the breast without radiation. The images can show whether a finding is solid, how it is positioned, and whether a duct is widened. Similar-looking findings can occur, so an ultrasound description is not the same as a final tissue diagnosis.

Bring details about discharge, tenderness, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicines, and previous breast findings to the appointment. The radiology result may lead to monitoring, further imaging, or sampling. A [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) examines cells or tissue when imaging cannot settle what the growth is. If a papilloma causes ongoing discharge or needs complete assessment, your clinician may discuss [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/).

Arrange prompt assessment for spontaneous discharge from one breast, blood-stained discharge, a new lump, nipple inversion, skin changes, or fever with breast redness. These features have several possible causes, but they should not be evaluated by squeezing the nipple repeatedly. Seek urgent care if severe pain, spreading redness, or feeling acutely unwell develops.

Ask whether the ultrasound finding is inside a duct, whether the result is clearly benign-looking, and whether tissue sampling or another scan is recommended. Ask how to monitor discharge and when the report will be reviewed with you.