RLE: Breast & Axillae Flashcards
a step-by-step method that can be conducted at least once a month to detect signs of infection and breast cancer.
breast and axillae assessment
The breast is made up of milk-producing glands that are arranged into units known as ?
lobules
lobules are connected via a series of ??? that ultimately join up to form a common drainage path, terminating at the ???
ducts;
nipple
The nipple is surrounded by a ring of pigmented tissue known as the ?
areola
??? tissue support the rest of the structure and allow the breast to maintain its distinctive shape.
Fibro-elastic and fatty
The breast lies on top of the ??? muscle, which rests on the thoracic cage.
pectoral
The rough boundaries of the breast are as follows:
Superior aspect of the breast is bounded by the clavicle
Inferiorly by the inframammary crease (“bra line”)
Medially by the sternum
Laterally by the axilla
A recent increase in the size of one breast may indicate ??? or ???
inflammation or an abnormal growth
breast shape:
one breast is larger than the other
asymmetric
breast shape:
wider more muscular breast with less tissue
athletic
breast shape:
slimmer at the top, fuller at the bottom
bell
breast shape:
nipples pointing outward in opposite directions
east west
breast shape:
breast with lax tissue and nipples pointing downward
relaxed
breast shape:
equally full at the top and bottom
round
breast shape:
wide space between breast
side set
breast shape:
thin breasts, nipples pointing downward
slender
breast shape:
round, slightly less full at the top
tear drop
Linear stretch marks may be seen where
during and after pregnancy or with significant weight gain or loss
Veins radiate either horizontally and toward the ??? (transverse) or vertically with a ??? (longitudinal). Veins are more prominent during ???
axilla;
lateral flare;
pregnancy
Redness is associated with ???
breast inflammation
pigskin-like or orange-peel (???)
peau
The edema is caused by ???
blocked lymphatic drainage
prominent venous pattern may occur as a result of increased circulation due to a ???
malignancy
An asymmetric venous pattern may be due to ???
malignancy
is usually caused by a malignant tumor that has fibrous strands attached to the breast tissue and the fascia of the muscles.
Dimpling or retraction
Restricted movement of the breast or retraction of the skin or nipple indicates ??? and ??? of the underlying tissues. This is usually due to an underlying ???
fibrosis and fixation;
malignant tumor
small Montgomery tubercles functions
prevents dehydration;
antibacterial;
scent for babies
Nipples are usually ???, but they may be inverted or flat.
everted
A recently retracted nipple that was previously everted suggests ???
malignancy
Any type of spontaneous discharge should be referred for ??? and further evaluation.
cytologic study
lymph nodes palpation
Thickening of the tissues may occur with an underlying ???.
malignant tumor
Soft, fatty enlargement of breast tissue is seen in
obesity
a smooth, firm, movable disc of glandular tissue, may be seen in one breast in males during puberty, usually temporary. However, it may also be seen in hormonal imbalances, drug abuse, cirrhosis, leukemia, and thyrotoxicosis.
Gynecomastia
Irregularly shaped, hard nodules occur in ?
breast cancer
A generalized increase in nodularity and tenderness may be a normal finding associated with the ??? or ???
menstrual cycle or hormonal medications
Painful, tender breasts may be indicative of ???, especially right before menstruation
However, pain may also occur with a ???
fibrocystic breasts;
malignant tumor
The nipple may become ??? and the areola may ??? in response to stimulation.
erect;
pucker
A milky discharge is usually normal only during ??? and ???. However, some women may normally have a ??? discharge.
pregnancy and lactation;
clear
breast palpation methods
circular
wedge
vertical strip
