Intraductal Papilloma

April 10, 2025

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Susan Yost, Ph.D., staff scientist, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

Many women develop a noncancerous breast condition at some point during their lives. One common type is called intraductal breast papilloma, affecting 2% to 3% of women, according to researchers in a 2023 review in the International Journal of Women’s Health. Men may also develop an intraductal papilloma, but this is even more rare.

Like other noncancerous (benign) breast conditions, it will not spread to other parts of the body. However, treatment and follow-up care are sometimes needed.

Learn more about intraductal papilloma, including types, symptoms and possible treatments, as well as how it may affect future breast cancer risk.

What Is an Intraductal Papilloma?

Intraductal breast papilloma is a benign (noncancerous) condition most often seen in women between the ages of 35 and 55.

Intraductal papillomas are wart-like growths in the milk ducts of the breast. These growths are made up of gland, blood and fibrous breast tissue (fibrovascular tissue) that clump together inside the milk duct. Located throughout the breast, milk ducts are thin tubes that connect milk-producing glands and breast tissues to each nipple. Intraductal papillomas may form in one or multiple locations.

How Is Intraductal Papilloma Diagnosed?

Patients sometimes have symptoms alerting them to the presence of a papilloma, which may prompt testing. Routine breast imaging (mammography or breast ultrasound) may also find them.

If a patient’s symptoms include nipple discharge, her doctor may order a ductogram. In this special test, also known as a galactogram, a medical dye is injected into the nipple duct and an X-ray is taken. The dye may have reduced flow through the affected duct if a mass is present.

When imaging shows a possible abnormality, the patient will need a breast biopsy to confirm the cause. Typically, a needle biopsy is done to remove a tissue sample for examination in a laboratory. Alternatively, a milk duct may be surgically removed for further testing.

If an intraductal breast papilloma is diagnosed, the pathology report may include additional information about the number, location and characteristics of the papilloma tumor(s). The doctor will use this information to decide with the patient what next steps (if any) are needed.

Solitary Papilloma

Most intraductal papillomas are caused by a single tumor called a solitary papilloma. A patient will often detect this type of tumor. Solitary papillomas usually form within the main milk duct near the nipple. Because these tumors tend to be larger and are closer to the skin’s surface, solitary papillomas are more likely to cause noticeable symptoms, such as clear or bloody nipple discharge or a small lump just under the nipple.

Papillomatosis

Some patients with intraductal papilloma have multiple growths. This is called papillomatosis, or sometimes multiple intraductal papilloma. These benign growths tend to be smaller and located in smaller milk ducts located farther from the nipple. As such, papillomatosis is less likely to cause changes or symptoms such as nipple discharge that the patient will notice. A patient might still notice a breast lump or mass if the tumors are near the breast’s surface. Papillomatosis tumors may be present in one breast, but more often affect both.

Intraductal Papilloma Symptoms

Most patients with intraductal papillomas have no symptoms or noticeable changes. Symptoms are more likely to occur with a solitary papilloma that has grown larger in size.

Possible breast papilloma symptoms may include:

• Clear or bloody fluid leaking from the nipple
• A breast lump that is able to be felt
• Breast pain, though this is uncommon

While intraductal papillomas are a common cause of unusual nipple discharge, breast pain and lumps have many possible causes. It is important to know that any breast papilloma symptom may also be caused by breast cancer. Other breast cancer symptoms include changes in breast or nipple skin texture or appearance. Nearby swelling in the underarm or collarbone areas may also occur with breast cancer. Intraductal papillomas rarely cause symptoms beyond the nipple and breast itself.

Having breast symptoms does not mean a patient has intraductal papilloma or a more serious diagnosis of breast cancer, but patients should always discuss any unusual or persistent breast changes or symptoms with their doctor. When breast cancer occurs, catching it early when it is more treatable may lead to improved health outcomes — and may even be life-saving. It is also important for patients to know if they have a breast papilloma. Though not life-threatening, papillomas may need to be monitored or treated.

What Causes Intraductal Papilloma?

The exact cause of intraductal breast papilloma is unknown. Any woman may develop a breast papilloma, but the condition is more common in those under age 55 who have not reached menopause. In particular, papillomatosis tends to occur in younger women. And very rarely, breast papillomas occur in men.

General risk factors for breast tumors of any type, including breast papillomas, may include:

• Previous use of oral contraceptives
• Menopause hormone therapy
• A family history of breast tumors
• Early menstruation and late menopause
• Older age at first pregnancy
• Never having given birth

Intraductal Papilloma and Breast Cancer Risk

Intraductal papillomas do not usually increase a patient’s breast cancer risk. This is especially true when a patient has a solitary papilloma. However, patients diagnosed with a breast papilloma may have an increased breast cancer risk if they:

• Have more than one breast papilloma (papillomatosis)
• Developed breast papillomas at a younger age
• Have a family history of cancer
• Had breast biopsy results showing atypical hyperplasia (abnormal cells)

It is important to keep in mind that even if an intraductal papilloma increases a patient’s risk of breast cancer, this does not mean a patient will develop breast cancer. Anyone may develop breast cancer. Patients diagnosed with an intraductal papilloma should discuss their overall risk of breast cancer with their doctor. Together, they may make plans for breast cancer screening and risk reduction through lifestyle measures.

Intraductal Papilloma Treatment

Intraductal papillomas are not cancerous. However, additional steps may be needed after a patient’s breast biopsy to ensure no cancerous or precancerous cells are present. A patient’s health care team will consider the following factors before making a follow-up recommendation:

• The number of breast papillomas
• The location of the tumor(s)
• Presence of atypical hyperplasia
• A patient’s symptoms

A patient’s doctor may recommend complete surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, solitary papillomas located near the surface and without atypical hyperplasia findings may be monitored through periodic exams and imaging rather than being surgically removed.