Breast Flashcards
What is assessed during inspection in a breast examination ?
Check for any masses, scars or asymmetry
Skin changes or ulceration
Nipple Discharge or inversion
Inspect axillae
What is assessed for in palpation in a breast exam ?
Examine each quadrant of breast including axillae tail
Press the breast against the chest wall
Palpate any lumps
Examine both axillae
Assess for lymphadenopathy
Palpate the spine for tenderness, abdomen for hepatomegaly
Percuss and auscultate the lungs
How would you complete a breast exam ?
Mammography and / or USS if necessary
Biopsy if necessary
What is galactorrhoea ?
Defined as copious bilateral multi-ductal milky discharge not associated with pregnancy or lactation.
What is the physiology of lactation ?
It is predominantly regulated by the hormone prolactin which is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Prolactin secretion is controlled by dopamine and released by the hypothalamus acting to inhibit prolactin.
What are some causes of galactorrhoea ?
Idiopathic
Pituitary adenoma
Drug induced - SSRI’s, anti-psychotics
Neurological
Hypothyroidism
Renal failure
What are some investigations for galactorrhoea and their results ?
Exclude pregnancy
Serum prolactin levels - raised
TFT’s - hypothyroidism
Renal tests
MRI head with contrast
What is the management of galactorrhoea ?
Treat underlying cause
Pituitary tumours - dopamine agonist ( Cabergoline and bromocriptine )
What is mastitis ?
Inflammation of the breast tissue both acute and chronic.
Most commonly caused by infection - staph aureus
What are the classes of mastitis ?
Lactational mastitis
Non-Lactational mastitis
What is a risk factor for non-Lactational mastitis ?
Tobacco smoking
What are some clinical features of mastitis ?
Tenderness
Swelling
Erythema
What is the management of mastitis ?
Simple analgesia and warm compress
For Lactational mastitis continue milk drainage
If symptoms dont improve after 12-24 hours start abx
What is a complication of mastitis and how is it treated ?
Breast abscess - needle aspiration
What is a breast cyst ?
Epithelial lined fluid filled cavities which form when lobules become distended due to blockage - usually in Perimenopause.
What are the clinical features of breast cysts ?
Singularly or with multiple lumps
Distinct smooth masses
Tender
What investigations are performed when suspecting breast cysts ?
Mammography - halo shape
Aspiration
What is the management of breast cysts ?
No management and resolve by themselves
What are some complications of breast cysts ?
Carcinoma
Fibroadenosis
What is mammoth duct ectasia ?
Dilation and shortening of the major lactiferous ducts
What are some clinical features of mammary duct ectasia ?
Coloured green / yellow nipple discharge
Palpable mass
Nipple retraction
What are some investigations for mammary duct ectasia ?
Mammography - dilated calcified ducts
Biopsy
What is the treatment of mammary duct ectasia ?
Manage conservatively