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Intraductal Papillomas of the Breast
Intraductal papillomas are noncancerous (benign) growths within the milk ducts of the breast. They are a common cause of nipple discharge from one breast. They might also show up on imaging tests such as a mammogram.
What are intraductal papillomas?
Intraductal papillomas are noncancerous (benign) growths within the milk ducts of the breast. They are made up of gland tissue along with fibrous tissue and blood vessels, called fibrovascular tissue.
Solitary papillomas, sometimes called solitary intraductal papillomas, are single growths that often occur in the large milk ducts near the nipple. They are a common cause of clear or bloody nipple discharge, especially when it comes from only one breast. They may be felt as a small lump behind or next to the nipple. Sometimes they can be painful.
Multiple papillomas may also be found in small ducts in areas of the breast farther from the nipple. In this case, there are several growths. These are less likely to cause nipple discharge.
Symptoms and diagnosis of breast papillomas
Papillomas might cause symptoms such as clear or bloody nipple discharge. They may cause a breast lump. Or they might show up as an abnormal area on an imaging test such as a mammogram or breast ultrasound.
An imaging test called a ductogram or galactogram may sometimes be helpful in finding papillomas. During this test, dye is injected into the nipple duct where the discharge is coming from. Then an x-ray is taken.
If symptoms or an imaging test can pinpoint an area of concern, a breast biopsy of the area can be done to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a type of surgery called duct excision may be done to look at the area more closely.
How do intraductal papillomas affect your risk for breast cancer?
Having a single papilloma, also called a solitary papilloma, does not raise breast cancer risk unless it contains other breast changes, such as atypical hyperplasia.
Having multiple papillomas increases breast cancer risk slightly.
Do breast papillomas need to be treated?
Not all papillomas need to be treated. This depends on:
- Their size
- If there is more than one
- If they contain areas of atypia (abnormal cell growth)
- If they cause bothersome symptoms
Papillomas can sometimes be linked with other, more serious breast changes. Because of this, doctors may recommend surgery to remove papillomas and the part of the duct they're in.
Another option might be close follow up and imaging tests. Your health care team may suggest this if the papilloma does not have concerning features.
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- References
Developed by the 黑料大湿Posts Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the 黑料大湿Posts Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
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Last Revised: May 26, 2026
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