Hi.
I've had intraductal papillomas and I had mine removed for symptomatic relief (I was having a bloody nipple discharge) and also for diagnostic purposes.
My surgery took approximately 45 minutes (to remove one duct) and I was asleep so was unaware of the process. I recovered well from the surgery (I needed no hospital stay and there was minimal scarring). My nipple was cut during the process which was the only thing I had not expected. My results came back positive for dcis (pre-cancer).
I hope that answers some of your questions. If you need more support or have further questions, ask either your surgeon or you could also try posting in the breast cancer community forum.
J
Then why do I need to have them surgically removed. And will that surgery be horrible?
Dear sue442, A breast or intraductal papilloma is a tiny wart-like growth in breast tissue These are benign (not cancerous) tumors and are composed of fibrous tissue and blood vessels. Having one intraductal papilloma does not increase your risk for breast cancer, unless they are composed of other conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia. If you have multiple papillomas or papillomatosis, your risk for developing breast cancer is slightly increased.