# Puzzling Papillomas: A Case of an Intraductal Papilloma Mimicking an Abscess

## TL;DR

A patient was initially treated for a breast abscess but later found to have a benign tumor called an intraductal papilloma, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and imaging.

## Contribution

This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of intraductal papillomas mimicking abscesses and emphasizes the importance of follow-up.

## Key findings

- The patient was initially misdiagnosed with an abscess due to similar symptoms.
- A year later, imaging revealed an intraductal papilloma instead of an abscess.
- The case emphasizes the need for atypical imaging and close monitoring of breast lesions.

## Abstract

Intraductal papillomas (IDPs) are benign tumors found within breast ducts. Clinicians should be familiar with IDPs given their association with atypical and neoplastic lesions. In our case, the patient was initially diagnosed with and treated for an abscess given clinical symptoms of breast pain, erythema, and swelling, but upon returning to the clinic a year later due to persistent symptoms, she was found to have an IDP. This case underscores the importance of atypical imaging features and close follow-up when evaluating breast lesions.