The term for a growth in a breast duct is spelled "Intraductal Papillomas". Its phonetic transcription is [ɪntrədʌktəl pəˈpɪləməz]. The word begins with the prefix "intra-" which means "within". The next part, "ductal" refers to the breast ducts. The third part, "papillomas" refers to the type of growth. The stress is on the second syllable of "papillomas". Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of this word is important for healthcare professionals who may come across it in a patient's medical record or when discussing potential breast conditions with a patient.
Intraductal papillomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur within the ducts of the breast. They are also commonly referred to as papillary intraductal tumors. Intraductal papillomas are typically small in size, often measuring less than 1 centimeter in diameter.
These growths are characterized by the development of finger-like projections, called papillae, which protrude into the ducts. The papillae are composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, and glandular cells. In some cases, a single papilloma may be present, while in others, multiple papillomas can develop simultaneously.
Intraductal papillomas most commonly affect women between the ages of 30 and 50, although they can occur at any age. They often manifest as solitary, palpable lumps in the breast, which can sometimes cause pain or tenderness. Other symptoms may include nipple discharge (particularly clear or bloody) and the presence of a breast lump that can be felt but not seen. However, the majority of intraductal papillomas are asymptomatic and are incidentally detected during routine breast imaging, such as mammograms or breast ultrasounds.
While intraductal papillomas are generally benign, there is a small risk that they may be associated with an underlying breast cancer, particularly when multiple papillomas are present or there are other concerning features on imaging studies. Therefore, a thorough evaluation, including additional imaging, biopsies, or surgical excision, may be required to rule out any coexisting malignancy or to establish a definitive diagnosis.
The word "intraductal papillomas" can be broken down into two parts: "intraductal" and "papillomas".
1. Intraductal: The word "intraductal" is derived from the Latin prefix "intra-", meaning "within" or "inside", and the word "duct", which refers to a tubular passageway or channel. In the context of "intraductal papillomas", the term is used to indicate that the growth or abnormality is located inside the milk ducts of the breast.
2. Papillomas: The term "papilloma" is derived from the Latin word "papilla", meaning "nipple" or "small projection". It refers to a benign tumor or growth that arises from the lining of certain organs, characterized by finger-like projections.