What should you know about intraductal papilloma presentation?

An intraductal papilloma is a small growth arising in a milk duct. A single papilloma near the nipple can cause discharge or a tender area, while a papilloma deeper in the breast may be felt as a small lump. Some are found during breast imaging done for another reason. These findings can also have other explanations, so the symptom alone does not identify the cause.

A clinician may ask whether discharge comes from one breast, one duct opening, or occurs without squeezing. They may examine the breast and armpit, then use ultrasound, mammography, or another appropriate scan. A biopsy can examine cells or tissue when imaging cannot provide a clear answer.

Arrange a breast assessment for new one-sided discharge, a persistent lump, or a change that is unfamiliar to you. Note the colour and timing of any discharge, whether it appears spontaneously, and any medicines or recent breast procedures. Bring earlier scan reports when available.

If tissue sampling is recommended, a [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) can help distinguish a papilloma from other duct changes. If removal is advised, [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/) explains the general procedure.

Contact a clinician promptly for spontaneous bloody discharge, a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple inversion that is new, or a breast that becomes red, hot, and increasingly painful. Seek urgent help if you feel severely unwell, have rapidly worsening swelling, or develop heavy bleeding after a procedure.

Ask which finding needs explaining, what the imaging shows, whether a biopsy is appropriate, and how the result will change the plan. You can also ask whether the papilloma appears solitary or associated with other duct changes.