Intraductal papilloma: A benign ductal disease

Updated December 1, 2023

Healthcaretoday, intraductal papilloma, milk duct, nipple discharge, breast lesions, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Papillary breast cancer, cancer prevention, MRI scans, cancer diagnosis, ductal carcinoma in situ, breast lump, menopausal women, breast care, cancer awareness, fighting cancer, cancer survivor, women in 40's, Professor Dr See Mee Hoong,

By Professor Dr See Mee Hoong
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon,
UM Specialist Centre

Intraductal papilloma refers to a benign tissue mass within the milk duct, intricately linked to the ongoing changes in breast tissue throughout life. These changes, governed by daily and monthly hormonal fluctuations, impact not only the breasts but also various aspects of the body.

Although intraductal papilloma typically appears in individuals aged 50 years and above, it can also affect younger populations. It's primarily a benign ductal disease, yet there's concern as it occasionally transforms into other disease types.

The classification of intraductal papilloma into peripheral (situated away from the nipple) and central types reveals a higher prevalence of the central type. This variant poses an increased risk of being cancerous compared to its peripheral counterpart.

Varied symptoms
Symptoms associated with intraductal papilloma vary. While some individuals experience nipple discharge, others reveal lesions during ultrasounds and screenings. A comprehensive three-step examination is employed to ensure meticulous evaluation and to avoid overlooking the possibility of papillary breast cancer, which presents the most extensive concerns.

Diagnostic insights
Instances of patients in their 40s and 50s exhibiting nipple discharge often reveal, upon investigation and MRI scans, a connected area resembling a bunch of grapes. This intricate presentation showcases elements of early-stage cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ) intertwined with aspects of papilloma or ductal papilloma.