Breast Papilloma: Will it Lead to Cancer?

By Dr. Kathleen Ruddy

Breast papilloma is a common growth occurring in the milk ducts of the breasts. These growths are benign and do need to be removed. Having a single papilloma does not automatically mean that you will develop breast cancer. The advice of a healthcare professional is required if you have any concerns about breast papillomas or you feel any changes in your breasts.

What is Breast Papilloma?

Breast papilloma, more correctly known as intraductal papilloma, is a wart-like growth that occurs in the milk ducts. These growths are generally located close to the nipple, although occasionally they can be located in ducts in other parts of the breasts. Intraductal papillomas can occur singly, or as multiples. They can also occur in one breast or in both at the same time. They most commonly appear as the breast undergoes changes associated with aging, particularly in women over 40.

How is Breast Papilloma Diagnosed?

Breast papilloma is often detected when you examine your breasts at home. They usually feel like small lumps in the breast tissue, and sometimes a clear, or lightly bloodstained discharge occurs from the nipple. This highlights the importance of examining your breasts correctly on a regular basis. Your health professional will also perform a breast examination. A mammogram or ultrasound is required, and a biopsy is needed to check that the mass is an intraductal papilloma, and not a malignancy.

DID YOU KNOW?

Breast papilloma is often mistakenly thought to be related to human papilloma virus, commonly known as warts. In fact, the two are not related in any way. They have similar names because they share similar features at a cellular level.

Does Breast Papilloma Lead to Breast Cancer?

Breast papilloma does not automatically lead to breast cancer. Once the papillomas are removed, generally no further treatment is required. A solitary papilloma does not increase your chances of developing breast cancer. It should be noted that in some circumstances, intraductal papilloma can increase your chances of breast cancer. For example, if your papilloma contains atypical cells, your likelihood of developing breast cancer increases slightly. This is also true of women who develop multiple papillomas or those who develop them in both breasts.

What Should You do if You are Concerned About Breast Papilloma?

If you notice any changes in your breasts, you should immediately seek the advice of a healthcare professional. This allows you to get immediate diagnostic tests and treatments if required. Noticing any changes in your breasts can be very worrying, but the earlier you identify these changes and seek professional help, the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome, and the less time you have to spend worrying.

Intraductal breast papilloma is a growth in the milk ducts that shares similar features with common warts. These growths are more common in women over 40, but are benign, meaning not cancerous. The occurrence of a single papilloma does not automatically lead to breast cancer, nor does it increase your chances of developing cancer. When multiple papillomas are present, they occur in both breasts, or a single papilloma occurs that has abnormal cells, the chance of developing breast cancer is increased, but this does not mean you will develop the disease.

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