Breast papilloma

Breast papillomas are benign tumors that form in the milk ducts of the breast, typically near the nipple. These wart-like lumps can occur at any age but are more common as the breast ages.

Your doctor might discuss various types of breast cancer with you, which can be overwhelming. However, early detection through self-exams and regular checkups often leads to successful treatment of breast cancer.

Our cancer specialists at Advocate Cancer Institute are here for you to help you understand breast papilloma. From genetic testing to access to clinical trials, we offer the most comprehensive cancer care in Illinois.

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Symptoms of breast papilloma

Recognizing the symptoms of breast papilloma can help you catch the condition early. While some breast papillomas cause no symptoms at all, others may present noticeable signs. Here’s what you should look out for:

• Nipple discharge: One of the most common symptoms is clear or bloody discharge from your nipple. This occurs because the papilloma is located inside the milk duct, which can cause irritation and leakage.
• Breast lump: You might feel a small lump or thickening in your breast. These lumps are usually painless and may be closer to the nipple.
• Breast pain or tenderness: Although less common, some women experience discomfort or tenderness in the affected area of the breast.
• Changes in breast appearance: You might notice changes such as dimpling or puckering of the skin over the lump.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out a more aggressive form of breast cancer.

Risk factors of breast papilloma

Certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing breast papillomas. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Age: Women between the ages of 35 and 55 are more likely to develop breast papillomas. Hormonal changes during these years might play a role.
• Family history: If you have a family history of breast papillomas or other breast conditions, your risk may be higher.
• Hormonal factors: Hormonal imbalances or changes, such as those during menopause or from hormone replacement therapy, might contribute to the development of breast papillomas.
• Previous breast conditions: If you’ve had other benign breast conditions, such as fibrocystic breast changes, you may be at a higher risk.

Diagnosing breast papilloma

To diagnose breast papillomas, a combination of imaging tests and a biopsy is typically used. A few tests you may undergo in the diagnosis process include:

• Mammogram: This is often the first step in detecting a breast papilloma. A mammogram can reveal the presence of a lump or abnormality in your breast tissue.
• Ultrasound: If a mammogram shows an abnormality, an ultrasound can provide a clearer picture of the lump. It helps determine whether the lump is solid or filled with fluid.
• MRI: In some cases, an MRI may be used to get a more detailed view of the breast tissue, especially if the lump is hard to see with a mammogram or ultrasound.
• Biopsy: If imaging tests suggest breast papilloma, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy. During this procedure, a small sample of the lump is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. There are different types of biopsies, including core needle biopsy and excisional biopsy, depending on the size and location of the lump.

Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for managing breast papillomas effectively. If you’re diagnosed with papilloma in the breast, your doctor will discuss the next steps and treatment options with you.

Treatment options for breast papilloma

Treatment may vary based on the size and symptoms of your breast papillomas:

• Monitoring: If the papilloma is small and not causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring with mammograms and ultrasounds to ensure it doesn’t grow or change.
• Surgical removal: If the papilloma is large, causing symptoms, or if there’s any suspicion of atypical cells (which could indicate a higher risk of cancer), surgical removal may be recommended. This procedure, called an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy, involves removing the papilloma and a small margin of surrounding

Your care team at Advocate Health Care will use a collaborative approach to provide the best treatment possible. Additionally, supportive care services such as counseling, nutrition therapy, palliative care and physical therapy may be offered to help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.