An intraductal papilloma is a benign wart-like lump that forms within a duct just behind the areola.  It appears as a small lump and/or a discharge of clear, sticky or bloodstained fluid from the nipple.

Intraductal papillomas can present itself  in both breasts at the same time.

Women reaching the menopause are more likely to have a single intraductal papilloma, while younger women often have more than one.

The causes and risk factors are presently unknown.

When you present yourself to a specialist breast clinic for investigations, a specific examination known as a triple assessment is conducted. This consists of:

• breast examination
• mammogram or ultrasound scan
• fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), which  involves extracting cells from the lump with a fine needle. Some clinics conduct a core biopsy instead, which involves the removal of tissue samples rather than cells.

Women under 35 are usually given an ultrasound scan rather than a mammogram as younger breast tissue is denser and produces a less detailed mammogram.

Common Presentations