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Can you have a papilloma without any lump

Elaneh
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I have to have duct or ducts removed. But I don't quite understand exactly what is going on. There are no lumps on the mammogram nor on the CT scan. There are just inflamed ducts. My symptoms are bleeding nipple and turned inward nipple. Sometimes pain. Cytology seems to show  papilloma cells but cancer is not yet ruled out 

But why as papillomas are benign

And how can you have papilloma cells without any papilloma
 

 

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear you are needing to have some papilloma cells and duct/s in your breast removed and appreciate you have questions.

    There is more information about Intraductal papilloma here that hopefully explains things more clearly. As you say papilloma are usually benign ( not cancer) but are often removed through surgery where they can again be examined under a microscope to check for atypical ( abnormal cells).

    They can cause symptoms such as pain and a bloody discharge from the nipple.

    I hope the surgery goes well.

    Take care

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Thank you

    but extensive Imaging shows nothing not even a pimple just inflamed ducts 

     

    am wondering if I really need the operation 

  • Offline in reply to Elaneh

    Hi and thanks for posting again

    If your surgeon has mentioned a papilloma ,it's best to discuss this with them, as they will be able to tell you what has made them give you this diagnosis. Inflamed ducts can be a symptom and may well be causing the discharge and your other symptoms. Sometimes a papilloma may be associated with a condition called atypical hyperplasia where there is an abnormal growth of cells - if not removed, it may in some cases develop into a breast cancer over time.

    However, without being involved in your care we can't advise you regarding the operation. Operations will not be carried out lightly though,  and so I imagine the surgeon wants to make sure that the area is properly examined and no cells are missed , including any possible potential cancer cells. It's not unusual for a biopsy or surgery to be done and for cells removed to be looked at under the microscope. 

    It sounds like you need to discuss this again with your specialist or breast nurse so that you know why you are having this done and understand the rationale for having the operation.

    If you would like to go over any of this, please do give us a ring to the helpline on Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best

    Wanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Wanda

    Thanks that's really helpful.  It wasn't explained to me really what the risks were so I was a bit confused about why surgery so quickly for a benign condition. As a kind of biopsy makes sense 

     

    thank you for the work you do. 

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