Do most people with intraductal papilloma(s) get them removed?

sadwife

I am trying to decide between surgery and a wait and watch approach. Might get a second opinion.

My case - 2 papillomas. Surgeon recommended removing them as both are > 1.5 cm in diameter. I have no family history and the pathology is concordant but she thinks they are too big to be left alone. My concerns - I have small breasts plus one of them is right below the nipple so she thinks I might lose sensation and worse, blood flow could get cut off causing me to lose a nipple. She does say that that is extremely rare but....

Hearing stories from both sides (removed vs not removed and the reasons why) would be so helpful to anyone in the same boat!

kathabus

I don’t know what most people would do in general...but a lot of us here, maybe most of us, have had a breast cancer diagnosis. With that being said, I have to think a lot of us would want it gone if we knew it was there.

I had a papilloma that was found after my IDC was found. Same breast. So it wasn’t a big deal. We were already going in. So I did not have to think too much on it.

You could watch and wait...but the issue I would have would be this....it’s only going to get bigger. And if you’re worried about the size of it wouldn’t it be best to do it sooner than later? That’s how I would personally think about it.

I’m sorry. I know even though it’s benign it’s still a decision you are struggling with. It might be wise to get a second opinion. It might help you feel more decisive one way or another. Good luck to you

flashlight

I agree with kathabus. Won't the possible complications be worse if the 2 papillomas grow larger? Getting a second opinion from another BS is a good idea. Maybe, he/she would have another thought on the procedure and possible side effects.

Monarchandthemilkweed

I had a papilloma removed 13 years prior to my recent breast cancer diagnosis. I had initially found a lump in the armpit opposite the breast that had the papilloma. I was pregnant at the time. because a lump was found in my armpit they performed an ultrasound on my breasts and found another lump. At the time of the ultrasound they didn’t know what it was. Needle biopsy of both that day. It was a Birads 4. Came back both lumps were benign. The armpit lump was fibroademo with lactational changes. And the one in my breast was a papilloma with other stuff thrown in. They recommended surgery. And I did experience bleeding from my nipple prior to the surgery. The surgery was easy and I was 27 weeks pregnant. I have a scar half way around my nipple. This is the same breast that I later developed breast cancer in. I don’t think there’s an association with papilloma and later developing breast cancer. I have another cyst found in the same breast a few years ago that is benign. This breast is busy. The other breast no issues with ever

Monarchandthemilkweed

also I was able to breast feed after the surgery to removed the papilloma. That breast did make less milk. But it was fine. That breast was a little smaller but nothing terrible. Still a nice shape.

sadwife

Thanks to everyone who responded! Wanted to update you all that I am done with the lumpectomy. My experience here - https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics/879735?post_creation=true. Hope it is one (or 2 in my case) and done!