Intraductal Papillomas

Intraductal papillomas are benign tumors that form within the milk ducts behind the nipple. They are frequently seen in middle-aged women. They can cause nipple discharge. The discharge can vary widely (yellow, dark green, or brown, as well as cloudy or bloody). If necessary, they are surgically removed along with the milk duct in which they are located.

They are the most common cause of bloody nipple discharge behind the nipple and are seen in people between the ages of 30 and 50. They generally appear as tumors smaller than 1 cm or 3-4 mm in diameter within the milk duct. Papillomas found on the outer breasts are less frequently seen in younger patients with nipple discharge. Multiple intraductal papillomas located further out of the breast increase the risk of developing cancer in both breasts simultaneously or later than single intraductal papillomas found on the nipple.