Central Intraductal Papilloma

​​​​​​​An intraductal papilloma is a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that develops in the milk ducts of the breast. It is usually a small, wart-like growth that can cause a lump in the breast, discharge from the nipple, or both.

Intraductal papillomas are more common in women over the age of 40, but they can occur at any age. They are usually found near the nipple and may cause nipple discharge that is clear, bloody, or greenish in color. The discharge may be spontaneous or occur only when the nipple is squeezed.

While most intraductal papillomas are benign, they can sometimes be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. A breast ultrasound, mammogram and/or MRI may be used to help diagnose and evaluate the intraductal papilloma. In most cases, a biopsy may be needed to determine if the tumor is cancerous or not.

If an intraductal papilloma is causing symptoms or there is concern about the possibility of breast cancer, it may be removed with surgery. In some cases, only the affected portion of the duct may be removed in a procedure called a duct excision.

It's important to have any changes in the breast tissue evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate management and rule out the possibility of breast cancer.