Breast health, Intraductal papilloma could strike anytime

Women could throw a fit if they happen to find blood discharge from their breast. Well, definitely it is a matter of concern, but isn’t always cancerous or fatal. Intraductal papilloma is one such medical condition in which blood oozes from the nipples. This is a benign lesion and often in the milk ducts of women in the age bracket 35-55 years.

What is intraductal papilloma?

Though not life-threatening, this benign condition may sometimes cause pain or discomfort. It occurs near the nipples of large milk ducts, causing blood secretion.

Breasts are made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple). They are surrounded by glandular, fibrous and fatty tissues and sometimes these ducts (one or more) develop lumps. They can occur in both breasts at the same time.

Type

Broadly, there are two types of intraductal papillomas – central or solitary (within a major duct near the nipple) and peripheral (multiple at the periphery). It is this peripheral type which has a higher risk of malignancy and occurs in women between 20 and 40 years. They occur deeper within the breast and may not have nipple discharge.

Are they cancerous?

Intraductal papillomas are generally not cancerous. However, when there are atypical cells (abnormal, but not cancerous cells), there could be a risk of developing breast cancer in the future. People who have multiple papillomas may also come in the high risk zone.

Diagnosis & prevention

Papillomas are really tiny and could be missed if not alert. It can be found during routine breast self-examinations, by a clinical physician. They occur as an outward curved bump on the breast surface (around or below the nipple) or within the ducts and would be visible only on mammography, microscope or galactogram to rule out lesion.

There is no way to prevent intraductal papilloma. However, monthly self-breast examinations, regular check-ups by a medical practitioner and mammogram screening can be helpful.

Causes

The papillomas develop on their own as the breast ages. The causes are unknown.

Symptoms

· Lumps

· Pain or discomfort

· Breast enlargement

· Nipple discharge (other than milk)

Cure/treatment

Solitary papillomas can be left alone if there is no nipple discharge. But if there is discharge, it will first be drained and surgically removed. Removal of the affected duct or ducts or all the major ducts (total duct excision) is the standard treatment. The surgeon may sometimes remove more ducts than required as it could become difficult to find all the affected ones. This is done to minimise the chances of discharge re-occurrence.

Risk factors are higher if…

· Bleeding, infection

· There are abnormal cells

· There is a family history of cancer

· The patient is an epileptic, diabetic etc

Medical follow-up

Medical follow-ups aren’t required after the removal unless there is secretion again. But those with multiple papillomas or with atypical cells must preferably go in for regular check up.

-windowtonews