Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

breast. Breast cysts most commonly affect
women in their 40s and 50s, especially in
the years around the menopause. A lump
can be diagnosed as a cyst by ultrasound
scanning, a mammography, or by with-
drawing fluid from it with a syringe and
needle, which usually results in the lump
disappearing. About half of all women
who have a breast cyst will develop future
cysts. Any new breast lump should be
seen by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
breast, disorders of theDisorders af-
fecting the breast that are mostly minor
and respond readily to treatment. The
most important causes of problems are
infection, such as mastitis, tumours, and
hormonal changes. Breast cysts, fibro-
adenomas, other noncancerous tumours,
or, more rarely, breast cancer may occur.
Breast pain and tenderness is common
just before menstruationor when a woman
is taking hormones. Before menstruation,
breasts may become bigger and lumpy.
Such lumps shrink when menstruation
is over. Hormonal disorders may, rarely,
cause galactorrhoea (abnormal milk
production). In men, gynaecomastiamay
result from hormonal disturbance or
treatment with certain drugs.
breast enlargement surgery A type
of mammoplasty.
breast-feedingThe natural method of
infant feeding from birth to weaning.
Human milk contains the ideal balance
of nutrients for a baby and provides val-
uable antibodiesagainst infections. For
the first few days after birth, the breasts
produce colostrum. Milk flow is stimu-
lated by the baby’s sucking and is
usually established within 3–4 days.
Breast-feeding problems may occur as
a result of engor-
ged breasts and
cracked nipples or
if the baby has
problems sucking;
a breast-feeding
advisor may be
able to help with
these difficulties.
Breast-feeding can
sometimes cause
an infection that
leads to a breast
abscess. In such

cases, treatment with antibiotic drugs

may mean that it is possible to con-

tinue breast-feeding.

breast implantAn artificial structure

surgically introduced into the breast to

increase its size (see mammoplasty).

breast lumpAny mass, swelling, or cyst

that can be felt in the breast tissue. At

least 90 per cent of lumps are noncan-

cerous; the rest are breast cancer. Many

women have generally lumpy breasts,

with the lumps more obvious in the days

before a period. Once known as fibrocys-

tic diseaseor fibroadenosis, this is now

considered to be a variation of normal.

Lumpy breasts do not increase the risk

of developing breast cancer. However, any

new, distinct, or separate lump should be

assessed by a doctor. In a young woman,

a single lump is most likely to be a

fibroadenoma. This noncancerous growth

is usually round, firm, and rubbery, cau-

ses no pain, and can be moved about

beneath the skin using the fingertips. In

an older woman, a lump is more likely to

be a noncancerous, fluid-filled breast cyst.

Regular breast self-examinationmay de-

tect any changes. Treatment depends on

the cause and type of lump. Cysts can be

drained in a simple outpatient procedure.

Other lumps can be removed surgically.

breast pumpA device used to draw

milk from the breasts in order to relieve

overfull breasts during lactation, to ex-

press milk for future use, or to feed a

baby who is unable to suckle.

breast reconstructionSee mammoplasty.

breast reductionSee mammoplasty.

breast self-examinationVisual and

manual examination of the breasts car-

ried out by a woman to detect lumps

BREAST, DISORDERS OF THE BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

B

AREA TO BE

EXAMINED

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Entire breast

and armpit

are felt

Hand is held flat and

the breast pressed

gently with the

fingertips