Intraductal Papilloma of the Breast
It is a tumor that occurs as a result of some of the cells lining the inside of the milk ducts growing faster than the other cells. A single one occurs especially inside the milk ducts located behind the nipple. Multiple tumors are seen in the more outer regions of the breast. Intraductal papilloma is generally considered a benign epithelial tumor, but when it is accompanied by atypical hyperplasia it has the potential to be malignant.
The main complaint is spontaneous bloody nipple discharge in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Since an intraductal papilloma is a small tumor of 3-7 mm inside the milk duct, breast ultrasound and mammography are insufficient for detection. Additional auxiliary diagnostic methods such as breast MRI, ductography and ductoscopy are used. Pathological evaluation is important for the differential diagnosis; a smear can be taken from the nipple discharge and a biopsy can be taken from the tumor.
The treatment of a benign intraductal papilloma with persistent nipple discharge is surgical removal together with the milk duct in which the tumor is located. If atypical hyperplasia is present, a wider surgical excision is recommended.
