Breast Flashcards
What is the breast triple assessment?
A hospital-based assessment clinic that allows for the early and rapid detection of cancer.
Components:
History/examination
Investigation
Histology
Imaging in the triple assessment?
Mammography
Ultrasound scanning
What is the scoring system in the triple assessment?
Exam score starts with P, imagine score starts with M or U, and histology score starts with B.
There is then a number that denotes the result of each component. 1 = Normal 2 = Benign 3 = Uncertain/likely benign 4 = Suspicious of malignancy 5 = Malignant
So e.g.
P1/M1/B1 would be a normal finding
When to use mammography or ultrasound?
Ultrasound is more useful in women <35 and in men.
What is mastitis?
Inflammation of the breast tissue, usually due to infection (s. aureus)
How can we classify mastitis?
Lactational mastitis (more common) Non-lactational mastitis
What are the clinical features of mastitis?
Tenderness
Swelling
Induration
Erythema
How do you manage mastitis?
Simple analgesics
Abx
If lactational, continued milk drainage/feeding is recommended
What is a breast abscess?
A collection of pus within the breast lined granulation tissue, most commonly developing from acute mastitis
How does a breast abscess present?
A tender fluctuant and erythematous mass, with potentially a punctum present
They can also have systemic symptoms, including:
Fever
Lethargy
How can we diagnose a breast abscess?
Ultrasound
How do we manage breast abscesses?
Initial phase - prompt empirical abx and US guided needle therapeutic aspiration
Advanced - incision and drainage under local anaesthetic
Complications of a breast abscess?
If non-lactational, it can cause formation of a mammary duct fistula (communication between the skin and subareolar breast duct)
What is a breast cyst?
An epithelial lined fluid-filled cavity which occurs when lobules become distended due to blockage, usually in the perimenopausal age group
Features of a breast cyst?
Can be singular or with multiple lumps
May affect one or both breasts
On palpation they appear as distinct smooth masses
How can we investigate a breast cyst?
Mammography - halo shape
Ultrasound
Aspiration (freehand or with US) and cytology
Management of a breast cyst?
No treatment, they self resolve
Larger cysts can be aspirated for aesthetic reasons
Does previous cysts affect your likelihood to have cancer in the future?
Yes. Patients with cysts are 2-3 times more likely to develop breast cancer in the future
What is mammary duct ectasia?
Dilation and shortening of the major lactiferous ducts