What should you know about intraductal sclerosing papilloma?

A papilloma develops from the lining of a milk duct. The word sclerosing describes firm, scar-like tissue within or around the lesion, which can make it look less distinct on imaging. It is not the same as breast cancer, but some papillary or sclerosing breast lesions can resemble cancer on a scan or contain areas that need closer examination.

Possible findings include a small breast lump, nipple discharge, or no noticeable symptom when the lesion is found during imaging for another reason. A symptom does not establish the diagnosis; examination and breast imaging help determine whether a sample is needed.

Arrange the breast assessment recommended by your clinician. This may include a clinical examination, mammography or ultrasound, followed by a needle sample when the imaging appearance or examination calls for tissue confirmation. A [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) can identify the cell pattern and show whether any nearby tissue needs further assessment.

If the lesion is difficult to sample, causes persistent symptoms, or has features that cannot be confidently classified, removal of the lump may be discussed. [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/) allows the whole area to be examined. Follow-up depends on the final pathology and the imaging findings, so keep the results from each part of the assessment together.

Book a clinical review for a new breast lump, nipple discharge, skin or nipple change, or a change that persists after your menstrual cycle. Seek urgent medical help for heavy or spontaneous bloody discharge, rapidly increasing swelling, marked redness with fever, or severe pain with feeling unwell. These warning signs need assessment even though they do not identify a particular diagnosis.

Ask what the imaging shows, whether the lesion can be sampled safely, and what the pathology wording means. You can also ask whether observation, repeat imaging, biopsy, or excision is recommended; which breast changes should prompt an earlier review; and when you should expect the next appointment or result.