BREAST ASSESSMENT

ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGIC OVERVIEW

Puberty (10-16 years old)---usual development of breasts but 9-18years in average

Breast are located between the 2nd and 6th ribs over the pectoralis muscle from the sternum to the mid-axillary line.

Tail of Spence----extends up to the axilla Cooper’s Ligaments---supports the breast on the chest wall. Each breast contains 12-20 cone-shaped lobes, which are made

up of glandular elements (lobules and ducts) and separated by fat and fibrous tissue that binds the lobes together

Milk is produced in the lobules and then carried through the ducts of the nipple

Stages of Breast Development

Stage 1---prepubertal breast

Stage 2---breast is budding; first sign of puberty in female

Stage 3---involves further enlargement of breast tissue and areola

Stage 4---occurs when the nipple and areola form a secondary mound on top of the breast tissue

Stage 5---continued development of a larger breast with a single contour

ASSESSMENT

HEALTH HISTORY History of medical disorder Previous surgery Family history especially cancer Gynecologic and Obstetric history Present medications including prescriptions, vitamins, and herbal Present use of hormonal contraceptives