Breast papilloma

A breast papilloma, or papilloma in the breast, is a benign (non-cancerous) growth within the milk ducts of your breast. These growths are rare and typically require surgery to remove them.

There are many types of breast cancer your doctor may discuss with you. It can feel overwhelming, but through early detection with self-exams and regular checkups, breast cancer can often be treated successfully.

We offer the latest cancer care technology, including genetic counseling to better determine your risk and a range of diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose cancer.

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Breast papilloma symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of breast papilloma early can help you get timely treatment. While many breast papillomas are asymptomatic, some might have noticeable signs:

• Nipple discharge: The most common symptom of breast papilloma is a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. This happens because the papilloma irritates the milk duct, causing leakage.
• Breast lump: You might feel a small, usually painless lump or thickening in your breast, often near the nipple.
• Breast pain or tenderness: Although less frequent, some individuals experience discomfort or tenderness around the affected area.
• Changes in breast appearance: Changes like dimpling or puckering of the skin over the lump might also occur.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor to discuss your symptoms and testing to rule out other types of breast cancer.

Risk factors of breast papilloma

While the precise cause of a papillomas in your breast is not well-known, several factors may increase your risk:

• Age: Women aged 35 to 55 are more prone to developing breast papillomas, possibly due to hormonal changes during these years.
• Family history: A family history of breast papillomas or other breast conditions can elevate your risk.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menopause or hormone replacement therapy, may contribute to the formation of papillomas.
• Previous breast conditions: Having other benign breast conditions, like fibrocystic breast changes, can increase your risk.

Regular self-exams and mammograms are essential for early detection.

Diagnosing breast papilloma

Diagnosing breast papilloma usually involves a combination of imaging tests and biopsies.

A mammogram is often the first step as it can reveal lumps or abnormalities in your breast tissue. If a mammogram indicates an abnormality, an ultrasound provides a clearer picture, helping to determine if the lump is solid or filled with fluid.

Other testing used for diagnosing breast papillomas may include:

• MRI: In certain cases, an MRI might be used for a more detailed view, especially if other imaging tests are inconclusive.
• Biopsy: To confirm the presence of papilloma, a biopsy is performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the lump for microscopic examination. Types of biopsies include core needle biopsy and excisional biopsy, depending on the lump's characteristics.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your provider will discuss the appropriate next steps and treatment options with you.

How do you treat breast papilloma

For benign breast papillomas, treatment approaches depend on size and symptoms:

• Monitoring: If the papilloma is small and symptom-free, your doctor might recommend regular monitoring with mammograms and ultrasounds to watch for changes.
• Surgical removal: If the papilloma is large, symptomatic, or shows atypical cells (indicating a higher cancer risk), surgical removal is advised. This procedure, known as an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy, involves removing the papilloma

At Aurora, your care team will adopt a collaborative approach to deliver the best treatment for you. We also offer a variety of supportive care services, including counseling, nutrition therapy, palliative care and physical therapy.