Intraductal papilloma

Abstract

Intraductal papilloma of the breast is a benign entity comprising 1% of all nonmalignant neoplasms. It is commonly manifested by a bloody or blackish discharge from the involved duct. It is most commony seen in women during the fourth to sixth decades of life. The lesion that is discussed is the macroscopic papilloma, either solitary or multiple, and not the very common papillary duct hyperplasia that occurs as part of the complex of fibrocystic mastopathy. The macroscopic papilloma may present radiographically as a dilated duct or a subareolar mass and, occasionally, it may be cystic. Usually it occurs in the subareolar portion of the breast near the sinus lactiferi. Although intraductal papilloma of the breast is a benign lesion, the rare malignant papillary carcinoma may mimic its clinical presentation, and thus surgical intervention in such cases is advised.