What should you know about surgical removal of intraductal papilloma?

An intraductal papilloma is a growth arising in a milk duct. It may be associated with nipple discharge or found during breast imaging. A biopsy can sample the area, but the result, symptoms, size, location and whether the lesion was fully sampled help determine the next step. Excision removes the targeted area so it can be examined in full. The surgeon may use a small incision near the nipple or over the lesion, depending on its position. Removing a papilloma does not mean that every breast change is cancer; a breast lump is a common presentation of many benign conditions, while any persistent or changing finding still deserves assessment.

Before surgery, discuss whether a wire, marker or imaging guidance is needed, the expected scar and whether the procedure is day surgery. Share medicines, allergies and bleeding problems. Follow instructions about bathing, dressings, bras, driving and lifting. Bruising, swelling and tenderness can occur as the incision heals. Keep the wound clean and attend the result appointment, because the final tissue assessment guides whether further care is needed. A breast lump excision page may help you understand the general surgical process.

Call the surgical team for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge from the wound, fever, worsening pain or a new change in the breast. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or sudden one-sided swelling. Contact your clinician about nipple discharge that returns, a new lump or skin changes after recovery rather than waiting for a routine visit.

Why is excision recommended in my case? Was the papilloma fully sampled by biopsy? How will the area be located during surgery? What scar and breast-shape changes should I expect? When will the final result be available, and what follow-up will I need?