What should you know about intraductal papilloma with DCIS?

An intraductal papilloma is a growth inside a milk duct. DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, consists of abnormal cells confined within a duct. A pathology report may mention both when the sampled area contains a papilloma and nearby or included duct cells with DCIS.

The report may also describe the extent of DCIS, its grade, hormone-receptor results, margins, and whether the sample is adequate. These details help the breast team plan care. DCIS is different from invasive breast cancer because the abnormal cells have not been described as having grown beyond the duct in that diagnosis.

Ask for a breast specialist appointment to review the pathology and imaging together. Bring the complete report and ask whether the sample represents the whole area of concern, whether more tissue is needed, and what treatment options fit the findings.

A [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) may be part of diagnosis or clarification. Surgery may be discussed; [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/) explains the general excision setting, although DCIS planning is individual.

Follow up promptly after a DCIS result so the breast team can explain the diagnosis and plan. Seek urgent help for severe illness, rapidly expanding swelling, or heavy bleeding after a procedure. Contact the team for fever, worsening redness, pus-like drainage, or a wound that opens.

Ask what part of the report refers to the papilloma and what part refers to DCIS, whether the disease is confined to the sampled area, how margins will be assessed, and which specialists will coordinate treatment.