NR 511 BREAST & LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
LATEST REVIEWED STUDY GUIDE 2026
Types of Examination
Inspection:
• Observe size, symmetry, color, contour, skin changes, nipple
characteristics.
• Look for dimpling, retraction, redness, or peau d’orange (orange peel
appearance).
Palpation:
• Use pads of fingers to examine all quadrants systematically (clockwise
or wedge method).
• Assess for masses, tenderness, consistency, mobility, skin thickening.
• Examine nipples for discharge (color, unilateral vs bilateral).
• Palpate axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Additional Techniques:
• Self-breast exam (SBE): Monthly check for lumps or changes.
• Mammography / Ultrasound: Imaging for evaluation of masses.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) / Biopsy: For suspicious lesions.
Normal Findings
• Breasts may be slightly asymmetrical.
• Skin smooth, without dimpling or retraction.
• Nipples are central, everted or slightly inverted, without discharge.
• Axillary lymph nodes non-palpable or small, soft, mobile.
• Glandular and fatty tissue palpable, consistent with age and menstrual
cycle.
Descriptive Terms for
Findings
Term Definition / Description
Mass / Lump Localized area of tissue density; assess size, shape,
LATEST REVIEWED STUDY GUIDE 2026
Types of Examination
Inspection:
• Observe size, symmetry, color, contour, skin changes, nipple
characteristics.
• Look for dimpling, retraction, redness, or peau d’orange (orange peel
appearance).
Palpation:
• Use pads of fingers to examine all quadrants systematically (clockwise
or wedge method).
• Assess for masses, tenderness, consistency, mobility, skin thickening.
• Examine nipples for discharge (color, unilateral vs bilateral).
• Palpate axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Additional Techniques:
• Self-breast exam (SBE): Monthly check for lumps or changes.
• Mammography / Ultrasound: Imaging for evaluation of masses.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) / Biopsy: For suspicious lesions.
Normal Findings
• Breasts may be slightly asymmetrical.
• Skin smooth, without dimpling or retraction.
• Nipples are central, everted or slightly inverted, without discharge.
• Axillary lymph nodes non-palpable or small, soft, mobile.
• Glandular and fatty tissue palpable, consistent with age and menstrual
cycle.
Descriptive Terms for
Findings
Term Definition / Description
Mass / Lump Localized area of tissue density; assess size, shape,
