Intraductal PapillomaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Intraductal Papilloma
Intraductal papilloma is a small, noncancerous (benign) tumor that grows in a milk duct of the breast.
Intraductal papilloma occurs most often in women ages 35 to 55. The causes and risk factors are unknown.
Symptoms include:
- Breast lump, which could be near the nipple
- Nipple discharge, which may be clear or bloodstained
These findings may be in just one breast or in both breasts. Usually, there is a single intraductal papilloma. In some cases there may be multiple intraductal papillomas.
For the most part, these papillomas do not cause pain.
If a needle biopsy shows an intraductal papilloma, the papilloma may be removed with surgery, or watched over time with exams and imaging.
Montefiore At 1250 Waters Place
Sheldon Marc Feldman, MD, is Chief, Breast Surgery and Breast Surgical Oncology, Professor, Surgery and Director, Breast Cancer Services at Montefiore Einstein. His clinical focus includes breast cancer, oncoplastic surgery with an emphasis on optimizing breast conservation, nipple-sparing mastectomy, minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, intraoperative radiation, targeted tumor ablation, lymphedema prevention, and complementary integrative holistic care with an emphasis on physician-patient communication. Dr. Feldman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intraductal Papilloma. His top areas of expertise are Intraductal Papilloma, Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, and Lymphadenectomy.
Brigham And Women's Hospital, Division Of Breast Surgery
Dr. Nakhlis received her medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1996. She subsequently completed her residency in general surgery and her breast surgery fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago. She is an attending physician in the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Boston and an assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. Her clinical research interests are focused on lobular neoplasia and other premalignant and proliferative breast lesions, and inflammatory breast cancer. Dr. Nakhlis is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intraductal Papilloma. Her top areas of expertise are Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, Intraductal Papilloma, Mastectomy, and Lymphadenectomy.
Advocate Medical Group Breast Surgery
Rachel Baer is a General Surgeon and a Vascular Surgeon in Elgin, Illinois. Dr. Baer is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Intraductal Papilloma. Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Intraductal Papilloma, Lymphadenectomy, and Hernia Surgery.
For the most part, intraductal papillomas do not appear to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
The outcome is excellent for people with one papilloma. The risk for cancer may be higher for:
- Women with multiple papillomas
- Women who get them at an early age
- Women with a family history of cancer
- Women who have abnormal cells in the biopsy
Complications of surgery can include bleeding, infection, scarring, and anesthesia risks. If the biopsy shows cancer, you may need further surgery and treatment.
Contact your provider if you notice any breast discharge or a breast lump.
There is no known way to prevent intraductal papilloma. Breast self-exams and screening mammograms can help detect the disease early.
Published Date: October 07, 2025
Published By: John Meilahn, MD, General Surgeon, Wyndmoor, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cox DM, Lippe C, Geletzke AK, et al. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Disorders. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 14.
Davidson NE. Breast cancer and benign breast disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 183.
Weiser R, Klimberg VS, Hunt KK. Diseases of the breast. In: Tyler DS, Hayes-Dixon A, Hines OJ, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 68.