What is the first treatment tried for intraductal papilloma?

An intraductal papilloma is a small growth inside a milk duct. A biopsy helps identify the tissue and check whether nearby cells need further assessment. The result, the size and position of the growth, nipple discharge, a lump, and the imaging appearance all influence the next step.

Some papillomas can be monitored after a specialist review. If the tissue cannot be fully assessed, symptoms continue, or the findings raise concern, a doctor may recommend breast lump excision to remove the area and examine it more completely.

Take your imaging and pathology results to a breast specialist or clinician who can compare them. Ask whether the biopsy sampled the whole area, whether monitoring is reasonable, and what procedure would remove the papilloma if needed.

You can read about [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) and [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/) before the appointment. Do not squeeze the nipple or repeatedly check the lump, because this can irritate the breast and make discharge harder to interpret.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a new breast lump, spontaneous nipple discharge, blood-stained discharge, skin or nipple change, or increasing breast pain. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding after a procedure, fever with worsening redness, or severe pain.

Ask: What did the biopsy show? Was the sample sufficient? Do I need removal or follow-up imaging? Which changes should make me contact the clinic sooner?