Breast Assessment Flashcards
What is the significance of the tail of spence and identify location.
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.
Describe primary breast locations for charting ( quadrants and tail of spence).
- Upper Inner Quadrant
- Upper Outer Quadrant
- Axillary Tail of Spence
- Lower Inner Quadrant
- Lower Outer Quadrant
Name the lymphatic chains in the breast and axilla.
- Central Nodes
- Pectoral Nodes
- Lateral Humeral Node
- Subscapular node
Landmark the Central Node.
High up in the axilla just inside the anterior axillary fold
Landmark the Pectoral Node.
Inside the anterior axillary fold along the pectorals muscle
Landmark the Lateral Humeral node.
Inner upper arm along humorous, it drains the upper arm
Landmark the Subscapular node.
Inside the posterior axillary fold along the lateral boarder of the scapula
Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during puberty.
Breast buds developing signal the onset of puberty in girls
Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during pregnancy
- 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
Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during adulthood.
-Unilateral or bilateral tenderness prior to menses
-Changes in nodularity
-Lumpiness prior to menses
It is important for women to know their norms.
Describe the developmental changes that occur to breast health during older adulthood.
- Glandular, alveolar and lobular tissue decreases
- Coopers ligament weakens
- Breast begin their “downward descent”
What is gynecomastia in males?
Enlarged, tender breast tissue
What are the odds of experiencing temporary gynecomastia?
1 in 3 males
How long does gynecomastia last for?
Usually resolves in 1-2 years
Identify common risk factors for breast cancer that are modifiable.
- 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.
Identify common risk factors for breast cancer that are non-modifiable.
- 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
Why is it important to make breast health promotion information available in a variety of languages?
It is important that people of different cultures can still have the same health promotion and awareness
What acute issues may present for breast health?
- Breast infections: Mastitis (2-3 weeks post childbirth)
- Lactational Abscess (progression of mastitis)
What does the term “know your own breasts” mean?
Know what is normal for you
When and how frequently should women have mammograms?
Should be done every 2-3 years between the ages of 50-74
Why are mammograms done?
Mammograms are done to assess the breast, and to detect any cancer.
Can men develop breast cancer?
Yes, men can develop breast cancer.
What are symptoms of breast cancer?
- 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
What are the norms for breast inspection?
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
What are the 3 positions used for inspecting retraction?
- Hands above head
- Pushing in on the hips
- Leaning forward
Why is inspecting for retraction important?
It is important to spot any dimpling or retraction which could indicate underlying cancer
What information should be included when documenting a breast lump?
- Symmetrical
- Skin is smooth
- No redness
- No bulging or dimpling
- No rash, edema, lesions
- Nipples symmetrical, protuberant, same colour
- No discharge, cracking or crusting
