Breast Assessment

Question 1

What is the significance of the tail of spence and identify location.

Answer 1

The Tail of Spence (Spence’s tail, axillary process, axillary tail) is an extension of the tissue of the breast that extends into the axilla.

Question 2

Describe primary breast locations for charting ( quadrants and tail of spence).

Answer 2

• Upper Inner Quadrant
• Upper Outer Quadrant
• Axillary Tail of Spence
• Lower Inner Quadrant
• Lower Outer Quadrant

Question 3

Name the lymphatic chains in the breast and axilla.

Answer 3

• Central Nodes
• Pectoral Nodes
• Lateral Humeral Node
• Subscapular node

Question 4

Landmark the Central Node.

Answer 4

High up in the axilla just inside the anterior axillary fold

Question 5

Landmark the Pectoral Node.

Answer 5

Inside the anterior axillary fold along the pectorals muscle

Question 6

Landmark the Lateral Humeral node.

Answer 6

Inner upper arm along humorous, it drains the upper arm

Question 7

Landmark the Subscapular node.

Answer 7

Inside the posterior axillary fold along the lateral boarder of the scapula

Question 8

Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during puberty.

Answer 8

Breast buds developing signal the onset of puberty in girls

Question 9

Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during pregnancy

Answer 9

• Breast enlarge
• Secretory alveoli develop
• May feel tender
• Nipples become darker and enlarge
• Areola become darker
• Develop Montgomery glands
• Increased blood flow may darken vein pattern
• Colostrum develops at 4 months

Question 10

Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during adulthood.

Answer 10

-Unilateral or bilateral tenderness prior to menses
-Changes in nodularity
-Lumpiness prior to menses
It is important for women to know their norms.

Question 11

Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during older adulthood.

Answer 11

• Glandular, alveolar and lobular tissue decreases
• Coopers ligament weakens
• Breast begin their “downward descent”

Question 12

What is gynecomastia in males?

Answer 12

Enlarged, tender breast tissue

Question 13

What are the odds of experiencing temporary gynecomastia?

Answer 13

1 in 3 males

Question 14

How long does gynecomastia last for?

Answer 14

Usually resolves in 1-2 years

Question 15

Identify common risk factors for breast cancer that are modifiable.

Answer 15

• History of childbirth (first child after 30)
• Oral contraceptive use (declines when use stops)
• Combined and estrogen-alone postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Breast-feeding for 1.5-2 years may decrease, -Alcohol
• Being overweight or obesity after menopause
• Physical inactivity.

Question 16

Identify common risk factors for breast cancer that are non-modifiable.

Answer 16

• Gender
• Aging
• Genetic Risk Factors
• Family history
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Genetic background
• Unexpected breast biopsy results
• Menstrual periods
• Previous chest radiation
• DES exposure

Question 17

Why is it important to make breast health promotion information available in a variety of languages?

Answer 17

It is important that people of different cultures can still have the same health promotion and awareness

Question 18

What acute issues may present for breast health?

Answer 18

• Breast infections: Mastitis (2-3 weeks post childbirth)

- Lactational Abscess (progression of mastitis)

Question 19

What does the term “know your own breasts” mean?

Answer 19

Know what is normal for you

Question 20

When and how frequently should women have mammograms?

Answer 20

Should be done every 2-3 years between the ages of 50-74

Question 21

Why are mammograms done?

Answer 21

Mammograms are done to assess the breast, and to detect any cancer.

Question 22

Can men develop breast cancer?

Answer 22

Yes, men can develop breast cancer.

Question 23

What are symptoms of breast cancer?

Answer 23

• Painless lump
• Lump or swelling in the armpit
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin (sometimes called orange peel)
• Redness, swelling, and increased warmth in the affected breast
• Inverted nipples
• Crusting or scaling on nipples

Question 24

What are the norms for breast inspection?

Answer 24

Assess for:

• Colour and texture
• Size and shape
• Symmetry (left often larger than right
• Contour (uninterrupted)
• Nipple and areola round or oval, averted, no discharge (some clients have normal inverted nipples)
• Assess for retraction

Question 25

What are the 3 positions used for inspecting retraction?

Answer 25

• Hands above head
• Pushing in on the hips
• Leaning forward

Question 26

Why is inspecting for retraction important?

Answer 26

It is important to spot any dimpling or retraction which could indicate underlying cancer

Question 27

What information should be included when documenting a breast lump?

Answer 27

• Symmetrical
• Skin is smooth
• No redness
• No bulging or dimpling
• No rash, edema, lesions
• Nipples symmetrical, protuberant, same colour
• No discharge, cracking or crusting