When to worry about nipple discharge if you have intraductal papilloma

An intraductal papilloma is a small growth inside a milk duct, often close to the nipple. It can irritate the duct and cause fluid to appear, sometimes with a small lump or tenderness. Discharge may come from one nipple or one duct.

The appearance of fluid cannot confirm the cause. A new lump, nipple inversion, skin change, or a change from your usual pattern deserves review, even when a papilloma has already been identified. Your clinician may need to correlate the symptom with examination and breast imaging.

Note the colour and amount of fluid, whether it appears without touching, and whether it comes from one side. Bring these details to your appointment, along with any previous scan or biopsy information. Avoid squeezing the nipple to check for discharge, since stimulation can produce more fluid.

Follow the recommended follow-up plan. Depending on the papilloma's features and your symptoms, your breast team may discuss observation, further sampling, or removal. The appropriate choice depends on your individual findings.

Contact your breast team promptly for blood-stained fluid, discharge that occurs on its own, a new or enlarging lump, nipple inversion, or a persistent change in the breast. Seek same-day advice if the breast becomes hot, red, swollen, or very painful, especially with fever. Urgent care is appropriate for rapid worsening or feeling severely unwell.

Ask whether the papilloma explains the discharge, whether the lesion needs sampling or removal, how often follow-up is needed, and which changes should be reported immediately.