A 36-year-old woman complains of a 3-month history of bloody discharge from the nipple. At examination, a small nodule is found, deep to the areola. Careful palpation of the nipple- areolar complex results in blood arrearing at the 3 O'clock position. Mammogram findings are normal. What is the likeliest diagnosis?: (A) Intraductal papilloma, (B) Breast cyst, (C) Intraductal carcinoma, (D) Carcinoma in situ
Answer is A. Intraductal papilloma is the most common cause of bloody discharge from the nipple. The lesion is treated by excision and is benign in most cases. Cancer is present in 5% of cases. Preoperative ductography can be used to help locate the offending duct.