BREAST ASSESSMENT

ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGIC OVERVIEW

Puberty (10-16 years old)---usual development of breasts but 918years 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
Coopers 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