general comments

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • an increase in breast size is seen in:
    • pregnancy
    • benign hypertrophy
    • carcinoma
    • giant fibroadenoma
    • phyllodes tumour

  • breast asymmetry is a feature of:
    • unilateral over- or under-development of the breast is a variant of normal
    • an acute change in one breast is more likely to reflect underlying pathology

  • nipple - one that is not visible may be retracted or have been destroyed

  • nipple asymmetry:
    • the nipple normally points downwards and outwards
    • one that points upwards or inwards can be an early indicator of underlying disease

  • colour of areola - darkens with age, and in pregnancy

  • texture of areola - glands of the areola become more prominent in pregnancy

  • nipple discharge - may be evident on nipple surface, and from staining of underclothes