Intraductal Papilloma

Intraductal papilloma is a benign growth that occurs within the milk ducts of the breast. It primarily affects the breast tissue and can cause symptoms such as nipple discharge, which may be clear or bloody. This condition is most common in women between 35 and 55 years old. The growth is usually small and can sometimes be felt as a lump near the nipple. While it is not cancerous, it can cause discomfort and may require evaluation to rule out malignancy. The main health impact is related to the potential for abnormal nipple secretions and the need for diagnostic testing.

Intraductal papilloma is a benign epithelial tumor arising from the ductal epithelium of the breast, characterized by fibrovascular cores lined by both luminal epithelial and myoepithelial cells. It results from localized proliferation within the lactiferous ducts, often near the nipple, causing ductal obstruction and nipple discharge. The lesion is typically solitary but can be multiple, especially in the peripheral ducts. Clinically, it presents with unilateral nipple discharge, which may be serous or bloody, and sometimes a palpable subareolar mass. It is important to distinguish it from malignant papillary lesions and carcinoma. Histologically, the presence of an intact myoepithelial layer helps differentiate it from papillary carcinoma. The condition is significant due to its potential to mimic breast cancer clinically and radiologically.