Breast & Axillae
o Breast Abnormality (1)
▪ Female
Benign breast disease (Fibrocystic breast disease)
o Most common breast problems, caused by fibrosis (thickening
of the normal breast tissue), May result in ductal hyperplasia &
dysplasia, which may eventually develop into noninvasive
intraductal, lobular, or intraepithelial carcinoma. Presence of
nodular breast tissue makes the early detection of malignant
nodules more challenging. Most often occurs in females 20’s.
After menopause, symptoms usually resolve due to lack of
estrogen. Treatment may include pharmacologic agents such as
hormones, diuretics, & mild analgesics. Limiting caffeine &
reducing salt intake may help relieve symptoms. Reinforce
regular BSE as well as regular mammography & physical exam.
o Subjective findings:
▪ Breast pain/tenderness that begins immediately
before onset of menses. Resolution of pain @ the end
of menses
o Objective findings:
▪ Soft breast lumps that are well demarcated and freely
movable to palpation; lumps are almost always
bilateral
▪ Nipple discharge (clear, straw colored, milky, or green)
▪ Cysts also may be present (usually located in the
upper outer quadrant)
Fibroadenoma
o Benign tumor of the glandular tissue of the breast, most
common in adolescent girls & women <30 y.o. Development in
girls linked to breast hypertrophy (may occur during growth
spurt in puberty). Treatment consists of careful observation
over time. If the findings for this abnormality is inconclusive, a
biopsy or excision of the lump may be done.
o Subjective findings:
▪ Asymptomatic besides the breast mass (often
found during BSE or during clinical breast
examination)
o Objective findings:
▪ Presence of well-defined, round, firm tumors, about
1- 5cm in diameter, that can be moved freely w/in the
breast tissue
▪ Usually involves single tumor near the nipple or in the
upper outer quadrant of the breast
Intraductal Papilloma
o Tiny growths of epithelial cells that project into the lumen of
the lactiferous ducts. Primary cause of nipple discharge in
females who aren’t pregnant or lactating & are more commonly
, NURS 190 QUIZ 3
found in