Objective To explore the value of galactography molybdenum target X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of breast intraductal papillomas and the differences of imaging findings. Methods A total of 52 patients with breast intraductal papillomas diagnosed by pathological examination were selected as the study subjects, and all of them underwent imaging examination. The coincidence rates of galactography molybdenum target X-ray and MRI examination with pathological diagnosis for breast intraductal papillomas were compared, and the imaging findings were analyzed. Results There were 43 cases (82.7%) detected by galactography molybdenum target X-ray, accordant with pathological diagnosis and there were 44 cases (84.6%) detected by MRI, accordant with pathological diagnosis (P>0.05). Among the 52 subjects, the plain films of molybdenum target X-ray of 35 cases showed no abnormal findings. However, the galactography molybdenum target X-ray of all subjects showed abnormal findings, including obvious mass shadow in 31 cases, tube expansion in 13 cases and ductal distortion in 8 cases. MRI showed that there were 13 cases with cystic dilating intraductal nodular lesions and 39 cases without obvious dilating catheter and with solid nodular lesions. The lesions showed obviously homogeneous enhancement in 45 cases, inhomogeneously enhancement in 6 cases and no obviously enhancement in 1 case. Conclusion Both of the two examinations are of high value in the diagnosis and treatment of breast intraductal papillomas. It is recommended that the two be combined to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.