What should you know about surgery to remove intraductal papilloma?

An intraductal papilloma is a usually non-cancerous growth inside a milk duct. It may cause clear or bloody nipple discharge, a small lump near the nipple, or no symptoms. A recommendation for removal can depend on the biopsy result, the appearance on imaging, symptoms, the papilloma's position and whether the sample fully explains the finding.

The operation is often called a Breast Lump Excision or duct excision. The surgeon removes the abnormal area, and a laboratory examines the tissue. A Breast Biopsy may be performed before surgery to guide the plan.

Before the procedure, tell the team about medicines, allergies, pregnancy possibility and previous reactions to anaesthesia. Ask whether you will have local or general anaesthesia, where the incision will be, and whether someone should accompany you home. Afterward, follow wound-care instructions, use recommended pain relief, and avoid heavy lifting until advised.

Bruising, swelling, tenderness or a small change in breast shape can occur during healing. Keep the follow-up appointment so the final tissue result and next steps are explained.

Contact the surgical team for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, wound opening or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or a rapidly expanding breast swelling.

Ask why removal is recommended, whether the whole duct or only the papilloma will be removed, how the result will be reported, and when you can return to work, exercise and usual breast checks.