Breast Lump

Question 1

What is a triple assessment

Answer 1

Must be done for all breast lumps

Consists of:

1. Clinical examination
2. Radiological imaging - mammogram or US
3. Pathological diagnosis - cytology (fine needle aspiration) or histology (core biopsy)

Each variable is given a grade from 1-5, with 1 being normal and 5 being malignant

Question 2

What are some examples of malignant breast disease

Answer 2

Ductal carcinoma - most common breast cancer

Lobular carcinoma

Mucinous carcinoma

Tubular carcinoma

Medullary carcinoma

Question 3

What are some examples of benign breast disease

Answer 3

Congenital abnormalities

• Supernumerary nipples
• Hypoplasia

Question 4

What are some examples of abberations of normal development (ANDI) of the breast

Answer 4

Fibroadenomas

Breast cysts

Sclerotic/fibrotic lesions

Question 5

What are some examples of non-abberations of normal development of the breast

Answer 5

Infective

Lipomas

Fat necrosis

Question 6

What are some causes of a single breast lump

Answer 6

Fibroadenomas

Breast cysts

Fat necrosis

Breast cancer

Question 7

What features of a breast lump would make you suspicious that it is a breast cancer

Answer 7

Irregular or nodular surface

Poorly defined edge - areas of normal breast tissue between more abnormal areas

Firm

Non-tender

Not fluctuant

Fixation to the skin or underlying chest wall

Any involvement of the nipple in the lump

Nipple changes

Lymphadenopathy