anatomy of breast

Question 1

what ribs do the breast typically overlay

Answer 1

2nd-6th

Question 2

a significant proportion of the breast extends into where

Answer 2

axillary (the axillary tail)

Question 3

what are sensory coopers ligaments

Answer 3

strands of connective tissue that attach to the skin of breasts and help maintain shape

Question 4

where are the nipples usually located in men (landmark)

Answer 4

4th intercostal space in midclavicular line

Question 5

what is polythelia

Answer 5

additional nipple

Question 6

what is known as the retromammary space and what is it

Answer 6

space between pictorial fascia and deep fascia
- allows movement of breast over pectoralis major

Question 7

how can invasive cancers affect retromammary space

Answer 7

can cause the breast to become fused to underlying muscle

Question 8

what is polymastia

Answer 8

breast tissue found in axillary region

Question 9

where do 80% of breast cancer originate

Answer 9

lactiferous ducts

Question 10

what characteristic of epithelial cells is found higher in invasive tumours and how is this dealt with

Answer 10

epithelial cells have a high (and low) affinity receptor, high affinity oestrogen receptor expression is higher in invasive tumours

• treated with anti-oestrogen tamoxifen

Question 11

how are lymphs drained from breast

Answer 11

• lymphs go to the central axillary nodes (superior aspect) and pectoral anterior nodes (lateral/medial aspect)
• then to the apical nodes
• lymphs then flow into supra/infraclavicular nodes to drain into venous blood via thoracic duct (left side) or right lymphatic duct

Question 12

where do 25% of lymphs from breast drain to

Answer 12

parasternal lymph nodes (on each side of sternum)

Question 13

read notes on lymphs on iPad