Breast Papillomas: A Comprehensive Review

The detection of intraductal breast papillomas can be difficult; however, it is very important for diagnosis and treatment. Although intraductal papillomas are usually benign growths, a small percentage may be malignant. No imaging modality can distinguish between benign and malignant papillomas; that is done only with a biopsy. The symptoms vary greatly, ranging from asymptomatic to nipple discharge to a palpable mass. Multiple modalities, including mammography and ductography, have been used to identify papillomas, while magnetic resonance imaging is used to further evaluate known papillomas. Sonography has been proven crucial in identifying these masses, thereby providing information for proper treatment including ultrasound-guided biopsies. The uses of various sonographic techniques, such as color Doppler, harmonic imaging, ballottement, use of stand-off pads, echo palpation, and elastography, have improved the detection of these masses.