Breast disorders
Breast disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, from benign growths to infections and malignancies. With the breast being a highly dynamic organ that undergoes various physiological changes across a woman's life, it's vulnerable to multiple disorders. A comprehensive understanding of these conditions is pivotal for any healthcare professional, enabling effective diagnosis, management, and counseling.
Classification[edit | edit source]
Breast disorders can be broadly categorized based on their nature and etiology:
- Infections and inflammations
- Mastitis: Inflammation of breast tissue, often due to infection.
- Granulomatous mastitis: Specific type of breast inflammation characterized by granulomas.
- Subareolar abscess: Pus-filled pocket beneath the areola.
- Benign growths and conditions
- Breast cyst: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast tissue.
- Fibroadenoma: Non-cancerous solid tumors.
- Fibrocystic breast changes: Lumpy or rope-like breast tissue.
- Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia: Overgrowth of tissues in the breast.
- Mammary-type myofibroblastoma: Rare benign tumor of the breast.
- Hormonal and developmental abnormalities
- Galactorrhea: Abnormal milk production unrelated to childbirth.
- Gynecomastia: Enlarged male breasts due to hormonal imbalances.
- Breast atrophy: Shrinking of the breast tissue.
- Breast hypertrophy: Overly large breasts.
- Tuberous breasts: Congenital abnormality leading to tubular-shaped breasts.
- Premature thelarche: Early breast development in girls.
- Traumatic and mechanical issues
- Breast hematoma: Collection of blood within the breast tissue.
- Fat necrosis: Dead fatty tissue often due to injury.
- Breast engorgement: Painful overfilling of the breasts with milk.
- Inverted nipple: Nipple that is retracted into the breast.
- Cracked nipple: Fissures or cracks on the skin of the nipple.
- Latch (breastfeeding): Technique of attaching a baby to the breast for feeding.
- Other conditions
- Breast pain: Discomfort in the breast, often cyclic.
- Breast mass: General term for any lump or thickening in the breast.
- Galactocele: Milk-filled cyst.
- Mammoplasia: Enlargement of the breast tissue.
- Mondor's disease: Inflammation of a vein beneath the skin of the chest or breast.
- Nipple discharge: Any fluid leaking from the nipple.
- Ptosis (breasts): Drooping or sagging breasts.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of breast disorders often includes:
- Patient history and physical examination
- Mammography
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Hormone tests
Management[edit | edit source]
Treatment varies greatly depending on the specific disorder:
- Pharmacological interventions
- Surgical procedures
- Hormonal treatments
- Supportive measures
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Most benign breast disorders have a favorable prognosis, while malignant conditions necessitate prompt diagnosis and management for optimal outcomes.
References[edit | edit source]
- Howard, B. A., & Gusterson, B. A. (2000). Human breast development. *Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia*, 5(2), 119-137.
- Love, S. M., & Barsky, S. H. (2004). Anatomy of the nipple and breast ducts revisited. *Cancer*, 101(9), 1947-1957.
- Sharma, P. (2019). Common Breast Problems. In *Women's Health* (pp. 157-166). Springer, Cham.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD