Breast Surgery Flashcards
Describe breast anatomy
Most of breast is adipose tissue
Nipple, with areola surrounding it
Behind the nipple = ducts lead into lobules
Lobules secrete milk, go through ducts and through openings of the nipple
What does triple assessment refer to?
Clinical examination
Imaging - US or mammography
Histology - fine needle aspiration or ore biopsy
What is a firbroadenoma? What are its features?
Common benign tumour of stromal/epithelial breast duct tissue
- painless
- smooth
- round
- well circumscribed
- mobile
- usually up to 3cm in diameter
Breast cyst features
Small
Mobile
Well-circumscribed
Possibly fluctuant
What is far necrosis and what are its features?
Benign lump caused by localised degeneration and scarring of fat tissue in the breast
Commonly triggered by localised trauma, radiotherapy or surgery causing an inflammatory response that results in fibrosis and necrosis
- painless
- firm
- irregular
- fixed in local structures
- may be skin dimpling or nipple inversion
What is a lipoma? Its features?
Benign tumour of fat tissue, can occur anywhere in the body, including the breast
- soft
- painless
- mobile
- do not cause skin changes
Typically managed conservatively
What is a galactocele? Features?
Occur in women who are lactating
Often stop after breast feeding
Breast milk filled cysts that occur when the lactiferous duct is blocked preventing the gland from draining milk
- firm
- mobile
- painless lump - usually beneath the areola
What is a phyllodes tumour? Features?
Rare tumours of the connective tissue (stroma) of the breast
Most commonly occur in 40-50 year old
Large and fast-growing
Can be benign or malignant
Treatment - surgical removal (wide excision)
What is mammary duct ectasia? Features?
Ectasia = dilation
Dilation with the large ducts of the breast, they can become clogged and inflamed leading to intermittent discharge from the nipple (green, grey, white). Occurs in postmenopausal women usually.
Can also have nipple retraction or inversion
What is an intraductal papilloma? Typical presentation?
Warty lesion that grows in one of the ducts
Proliferation of epithelial cells
Benign tumours but can be associated with breast cancer
Typically clear or blood-stained nipple discharge Most commonly 34-55 years old Often asymptomatic Tenderness Palpable lump
Most common type of breast cancer
Invasive ductal carcinoma
Re-named no specific type
Risk factors for breast cancer
Female obviously Increased oestrogen expsorue - early periods, late menopause COCP - small risk but stops 10 years after taking it Obesity Smoking More dense breast tissue Family history - first-degree HRT - especially combined
Describe hormonal therapy of breast cancer
Anti-Oestrogen therapy - tamoxifen (given to those who have cancers that are oestrogen sensitive)
Post-menopausal = aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole)
Biological therapy - tratuzumab - (herceptin) if HER2 sensitive
Can fibroadenomas be surgically removed?
Yes if >3cm (or causing discomfort etc.)
Via excision biopsy
If <3 cm then it could be observation and simple advice be enough.
Are young women usually given mammograms
No, as ineffective due to dense breasts
