Papillary breast cancer is a rare form of cancer, making up only less than 1% of all types of breast cancers. Like most breast cancers, it begins in the milk ducts but tends to comprise both invasive cells and noninvasive cells.  When viewed under a microscope, a papillary breast tumour looks small, finger-like growths called papules and well-defined borders. It has a unique look that sets it apart from other forms of breast cancer. Further, lymph node involvement is rare with papillary breast cancer than it is with other types of breast cancer.

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Papillary breast cancer appears to be:

Also Read: Breast Cancer: Know About Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms Of Papillary Breast Cancer

The symptoms of papillary breast cancer are similar to the symptoms of other types of breast cancer, which include:

  • A lump or thickening on the breast or underarm
  • Change in breast size or shape
  • Discharge from the nipple
  • Redness
  • Nipple pulling inward
  • Pain

Causes

Cancer develops when there are disruptions in DNA sequencing, as abnormal cells grow and multiply, they make more cells with errors. In the long run, these cells begin to grow out of control and form a tumour. But the exact cause of papillary breast cancer isn’t clear. It is most common in postmenopausal women. It is mostly diagnosed in people ages 63-67. But in rare cases, some may have a pre-existing papilloma, which may mildly increase the risk of breast cancer.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase risk include:

  • A strong family history of breast cancer
  • Inherited genetic alterations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
  • Other risk factors for breast cancer include:
  • Menstruation before age 12
  • Menopause after age 55
  • Hormonal therapy or certain oral contraceptives
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Being overweight and obese after menopause
  • Drinking alcohol

Diagnosis

The diagnosis for papillary breast cancer includes the same tests as other breast cancers such as:

  • Mammogram
  • Breast ultrasound
  • MRI scan of the breast

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If a proper diagnosis cannot be made based on a clinical examination and scanning test, then the patient may need a breast biopsy to confirm cancer. The biopsy will let the doctor know if the cancer is benign or malignant and if cancer is found then biopsy will offer additional information like:

  • Estrogen and progesterone receptor status
  • HER2 status
  • Grade of tumour
  • Papillary breast cancer is mostly Grade 2

Misdiagnosis

Some individuals may feel scared or overwhelmed about being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, not all masses in the breast tissue are cause for concern. For instance, intraductal papillomas can be mistaken for cancerous tumours.

An intraductal papilloma is a noncancerous tumour that grows inside the breast’s milk ducts, which cause symptoms like nipple discharge, that mimic the symptoms of breast cancer. Some may have a larger papilloma tumour and some may have multiple small papilloma tumours throughout the breast.

Any individual who observes abnormal growth in or around their breast tissue should visit a doctor. As your healthcare provider can precisely examine and diagnose papilloma tumours and papillary breast cancer.

Treatment

The most common treatment option for papillary breast cancer is surgery, where doctors suggest a minor surgery that preserves the breast known as a lumpectomy. At times, doctors may also recommend a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast tissue. The nature of surgery usually depends on the severity of the condition. For small tumours that have not metastasised, minor surgery may be helpful.

Other treatments options in addition to surgery may include:

The most essential thing for papillary breast cancer treatment is to start early. Prompt detection and diagnosis maximize the chance of successful outcomes.