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Sometimes a wart-like lump develops in a duct just behind the areola. This is an intraductal papilloma.
You may notice a small lump under the areola and/or a discharge of clear, sticky or bloodstained fluid from the nipple. You may also feel some pain.
Intraductal papillomas can be in both breasts at the same time and are sometimes found by chance following breast surgery.
Intraductal papillomas are benign and do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. They usually develop naturally as the breast ages and changes.
For women who develop intraductal papillomas, those reaching the menopause are more likely to have a single papilloma, while younger women may have more than one.
After a breast examination your GP is likely to refer you to a breast clinic for tests.
A triple assessment will provide a definite diagnosis, comprised of a breast examination, a mammogram or ultrasound scan and a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core biopsy.
If you have discharge from the nipple, rather than a lump, a sample will be sent to the laboratory to be looked at under a microscope.
In most cases you won’t need any treatment or follow up. It’s important, though, to go back to your GP if you have any new symptoms.
If nipple discharge continues or there’s inflammation in the area, you may need an operation to remove the affected duct or ducts. You may be offered a microdochectomy (removal of the affected duct or ducts) or a Hadfield’s operation (removal of all the major ducts).
Both types of surgery are performed using either a local or a general anaesthetic, and you may be in hospital for the day or overnight.
You’ll have a small stitched wound near the areola, and your doctors will tell you how to care for it afterwards.
After the operation your nipple may be less sensitive than before.
The operation should solve the problem, but if it comes back more ducts may need to be removed, as finding all the ducts can sometimes be difficult.
Having an intraductal papilloma does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, it’s still important to be breast aware and go back to your GP if you notice any other changes in your breasts.