breast pathology

Question 1

Fibrocystic disease

Answer 1

Fibrocystic change: occurs in at least 50% of women of childbearing age. Some studies indicate that the lifetime prevalence of FBC may be as high as 70% to 90%. Except for patients with a strong family history of breast cancer, where the risk is two-fold, non-proliferative lesions have no increased risk.
Benign changes include apocrine change, usual type ductal hyperplasia and sclerosing adenoids.
Can form a fibrous lumpy tissue. Can be associated with calcium, can mimic cancer, is a common incidental finding.
Can cause discomfort related to the menstrual cycle. Shares same risk factors as breast cancer

Question 2

Fibroadenoma

Answer 2

Is a very common benign (not cancer) breast condition. The most common symptom is a lump in the breast which usually moves when you touch it.
Common. Usually occur in women ages 10-40 years. Most common breast mass in the adolescent and young adult population. Incidence decreases after 40 years.
Usually found as a lump. Very round on x-ray, or may need ultrasound to find it in young people. These are not fixed/tethered and does not cause skin dimpling. Oral contraceptives and hormonal therapy increase breast-cancer risk which stops after use. Alcohol increases risk as does genetic mutations.

Question 3

Breast cancer

Answer 3

Breast cancer

Question 4

Ductal carcinoma in situ

Answer 4

is the stage of a cancer before it invades and is a factor of time. Pure DCIS cannot produce a metastasis. Has the potential to progress to invasion if left.

Question 5

Triple assessment

Answer 5

• clinical examination
  -imaging e.g. mammogram
  -needle biopsy
  3 MDT meetings

Question 6

breast screening programme

Answer 6

Designed to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages
Invite women between the ages of 50-70
Age extension 47-73
Mammography main tool

Question 7

Key prognostic factors of breast cancer

Answer 7

Tumour grade, tumour size, nodal status.