The evaluation of common breast problems.
The most common breast problems for which women consult a physician are breast pain, nipple discharge and a palpable mass. Most women with these complaints have benign breast disease. Breast pain alone is rarely a presenting symptom of cancer, and imaging studies should be reserved for use in women who fall within usual screening guidelines. A nipple discharge can be characterized as physiologic or pathologic based on the findings of the history and physical examination. A pathologic discharge is an indication for terminal duct excision. A dominant breast mass requires histologic diagnosis. A breast cyst can be diagnosed and treated by aspiration. The management of a solid mass depends on the degree of clinical suspicion and the patient's age.
Morrow
M
M
Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
D000465:Algorithms; D001706:Biopsy; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003663:Decision Trees; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods