Intraductal papilloma (BCC79) - Breast Cancer Care

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About this leafletThis leaflet tells you about intraductalpapilloma. It explains what an intraductalpapilloma is, how it’s found and whatwill happen if it needs to be treated orfollowed up.Although they are much more common inwomen, men can also get intraductalpapilloma, but this is very rare.What is an intraductal papilloma?Breasts are made up of lobules (milk-producingglands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to thenipple), which are surrounded by glandular, fibrousand fatty tissue.Sometimes a wart-like lump develops in one ormore of the ducts. It’s usually close to the nipple,but can sometimes be found elsewhere in thebreast. You may feel a small lump or notice adischarge of clear or bloodstained fluid from thenipple. Generally intraductal papillomas aren’tpainful but some women can experience painaround the area. All of these may be symptomsof an intraductal papilloma.Intraductal papillomas can occur in both breastsat the same time and are sometimes found bychance following a mammogram (breast x-ray)or breast surgery.Intraductal papillomas are benign (not cancer) andgenerally do not increase the risk of developingbreast cancer. They’re most common in womenover 40 and usually develop naturally as the breastVisit www.breastcancercare.org.uk
ages and changes. However, when an intraductalpapilloma contains atypical cells (abnormal but notcancer), this has been shown to slightly increase therisk of developing breast cancer in the future. Somepeople who have multiple intraductal papillomasmay also have a slightly higher risk of developingbreast cancer.How are they found?Intraductal papillomas can be found following amammogram, after breast surgery or by you goingto your GP (local doctor) with symptoms. You willthen be referred to a breast clinic where you’ll beseen by specialist doctors or nurses. At the breastclinic you’ll probably have three different tests,known as triple assessment, so that a definitediagnosis can be made. These are:• a breast examination• a mammogram (breast x-ray) and/or anultrasound scan (which uses high frequencysound waves to produce an image)• a fine needle aspiration (FNA), a core biopsy or byvacuum assisted biopsy.If you are a woman under 40, you’re more likely tohave an ultrasound scan than a mammogram. Thisis because younger women’s breast tissue can bedense which can make the x-ray image less clear.However, for some women under 40 amammogram may still be needed to complete theassessment.A small sample containing breast cells or breasttissue may be taken from the breast to help make adiagnosis. This can be a fine needle aspiration(FNA) or core biopsy.
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Intraductal papilloma (BCC79) - Breast Cancer Care

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