Main Duct Papilloma of the Breast

There is a form of polyp which usually occurs singly near the exit of a main lactiferous duct. It can be removed by local excision, like polypi in the nose, cervix, colon, and bladder; yet in the breast, as well as in other locations, it is important to search carefully for multiple lesions and to consider even this benign growth as a possible omen that the person will be more subjected to cancer than others who are free of any polyp. This paper reviews and illustrates a method of recognition and treatment of these rare lesions which has proved worthwhile in a series of 30 patients, 24 of whom were followed from 5 to 16 years. None of the entire group has developed carcinoma. All credit for originality in this method of management is given to others (Babcock,1Wakeley,2Chester and Bell,3and Haagensen, Stout, and Phillips