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Reproduction and Child health > Breast > Flashcards

Flashcards in Breast Deck (32)
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1
Q

Where is the breast tissue found?

A

In subcutaneous tissue overlying muscles of anterior thoracic wall

2
Q

What type of gland is breast tissue?

A

Modified apocrine sweat gland

3
Q

Where do breasts develop?

A

Breasts can develop anywhere along the mammary ridge (milk line) which runs from axilla to groin

4
Q

What is polythelia?

A

Supernumerary nipples (extra nipples)

5
Q

What is polymastia?

A

Accessory breasts (secondary breast may develop)

6
Q

What factors affect the size/shape of the breasts?

A
Menstrual cycle / hormones​
Age & sexual maturity​
Inherited factors​
Pregnancy​
Lactation
7
Q

What muscles’ fascia does the base of the breast lie anterior to?

A

Base of breast lies anterior to the fascia of pectorals major and serratus anterior

8
Q

Where is the base of the breast?

A

The base of the breast sits over ribs 2-6 and extends from the sternum to the midaxillary line and superolaterally into the axilla (Tail of Spence)

9
Q

What are Cooper’s ligaments?

A

Fibrous suspensory ligaments that sit within and support the breast and attach to the dermis.

10
Q

What is the retromammary space and what is it’s function?

A

Retromammary space sits between breast tissue and pectoralis fascia. Filled with loose connective tissue and fat and allows free movement of breast.

11
Q

How do you check clinically if breast movement is independent to pectoralis major movement?

A

Ask patient to push their hands into hips.

12
Q

How many lactiferous ducts does the nipple receive?

A

15-20

13
Q

What are Montgomery glands?

A

Sweat and sebaceous glands that open onto areolar

14
Q

What happens to the areolar during/after pregnancy?

A

Often darkens

15
Q

What is the innervation of the breast?

A

T4-T6 intercostal nerves

16
Q

What are some non-breast origins of mastalgia (breast pain)?

A

Cardiac, respiratory, musculoskeletal, infective - shingles

17
Q

How can the breast be easily anaesthetised?

A

Local anaesthetic injection into the plane of serratus anterior and the interpectoral plane.

18
Q

What is the blood supply of the lateral breast?

A

Lateral mammary branches from the lateral thoracic artery (branch of axillary a) and posterior intercostal arteries

19
Q

What is the blood supply of the medial breast?

A

Medial mammary branches from the internal thoracic artery and anterior intercostal arteries

20
Q

What is the main lymphatic drainage of the nipple, areolar and breast tissue?

A
  • Anterior (pectoral) and central AXILLARY nodes

- Parasternal (internal thoracic) nodes

21
Q

What are the additional routes of lymphatic drainage?

A
  • Interpectoral (rotter) nodes
  • Contralateral parasternal nodes
  • Contralateral breast
  • Subdiaphragmatic/hepatic nodes
  • Inguinal lymph nodes
22
Q

What is the lymphatic drainage of the the breast SKIN?

A

Axillary, infraclavicular and deep cervical nodes

23
Q

What can happen following a mastectomy with axillary lymph node clearance?

A

Upper limb lymphoedema

24
Q

Define a gland

A

A gland is a collection of epithelial cells that secrete substances

25
Q

What quadrants can the breast be divided into for examination purposes?

A

Upper outer
Upper inner
Lower outer
Lower inner

26
Q

What are some common presentations of breast problems/disease?

A
Pain
lump
Nipple discharge
Nipple inversion
Skin changes
27
Q

What are some observable changes of breast cancer?

A

Asymmetry
New onset nipple retraction
P’eau d’orange
Dimpling of the skin

28
Q

What causes nipple retraction in breast cancer?

A

Cooper’s ligaments are being pulled

29
Q

What causes p’eau d’orange?

A

P’eau d’orange is due to oedema and pitting of the skin due to blocked lymph drainage. Cancer has likely affected the lymphatic drainage of the breast.

30
Q

What causes gynaecomastia?

A

Normally caused by hormones or being overweight, both of these cause an increase in oestrogen which causes breast tissue to grow.

31
Q

What is the difference between gynaecomastia and breast cancer in men?

A

Gynaecomastia is bilateral. Breast cancer is unilateral.

32
Q

Define gynaecomastia

A

Gynaecomastia is enlargement of the male breast resulting from proliferation of the glandular component.