What should you know about a small intraductal papilloma?

A small intraductal papilloma is a growth inside a breast milk duct that may cause discharge and needs assessment to confirm its nature. It can be felt as a small lump near the nipple or found on imaging. Some people have no symptoms. Clear or bloody discharge from one nipple, especially without squeezing, should be reported to a clinician.

Papillomas are made from tissue growing within a duct. A clinical examination and breast imaging help show its position and features. A breast biopsy may be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms persist, or imaging calls for tissue confirmation. One papilloma does not give enough information to judge every breast change, so a new lump or discharge still deserves its own assessment.

Record which breast is affected, whether discharge appears spontaneously, and its colour and frequency. Avoid repeatedly expressing the nipple because this can maintain discharge and irritate the duct. Follow the imaging plan offered by your clinician. Depending on the findings and symptoms, options may include monitoring, biopsy, or breast lump excision to remove the growth and examine it.

Arrange prompt review for spontaneous bloody discharge, a new or enlarging lump, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, or a persistent one-sided change. Seek urgent care for a hot, red, swollen breast with fever or severe pain. These features can reflect infection or another breast condition and need timely evaluation rather than repeated self-checking.

Ask whether the papilloma is visible on imaging, whether a biopsy is recommended, and what the tissue result would change. If removal is suggested, ask about the reason, the procedure, recovery, and follow-up for any remaining discharge.