Benign Breast Conditions Flashcards
What is fat necrosis?
Presents as a mass, skin changes or mammographic abnormality. Often history of trauma or surgery and can mimic carcinoma clinically and mammographically. Refer for triple assessment but after confirmed diagnosis no treatment required.
What would suggest a breast lump is merely a cyst?
This occurs in 20% of premenopausal women and is often cyclical in nature. Causes discomfort and cysts but treatment is rarely required. Large cysts usually reoccur following aspiration. ON mammogram cysts can sometimes create a Halo sign.
How are cysts confirmed?
Aspiration is only way to confirm cyst.
Why are women with cysts more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer?
You are more likely to detect a developing cancer as you undergo investigations
What is the most common cause of a breast lump in younger women?
Fibroadenoma
What are fibroadenomas?
Firm, painless, mobile and smooth (breast mouse). Can have multiple lumps.
Localised hyperplasia rather than neoplasm.
How are fibroadenomas managed?
Excision only recommended if growing.
Third regress, a third stay the same a third get bigger.
What is phyllodes tumours?
Must be careful of phyllodes tumour as although majority are benign a few can be malignant and extremely aggressive so should remove with wide local excision. This type of tumour usually occurs ages 40-50
What is mastitis?
Infection of mammary duct often associated with lactation.
What organism most commonly causes mastitis?
Most commonly as a result of staph aureus.
How does a breast abscess present?
Abscess presents as hot swollen painful breast segment.
How should a breast abscess be managed?
Treatment is drainage and antibiotics (antifungal may be required for mother and child in case of nipple candidiasis). If breast feeding, do not stop. Be aware of MRSA.
What is periductal mastitis and how is it treated?
Common in smoker and presents with recurrent infections. May also cause induration over the affected area. Treatment is with co-amoxiclav.
What is duct ectasia?
Duct Ectasia (blocked duct) Nipple has green-yellow discharge and duct is inflamed and clogged. May result in nipple retraction and a lump. Common around menopause and in smokers, stopping smoking is the best treatment. Otherwise self-limiting
When is gynaecomastia most commonly seen?
Enlargement of male breast. Unilateral or bilateral. Often seen at puberty and in the elderly. Caused by relative decrease in androgen effect or increase in oestrogen effect. Can mimic male breast cancer especially if unilateral but it causes no increased risk of cancer.
