Breast Anatomy, Carcinoma, and Benign Diseases

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, pathology, diagnostics, and surgical management of breast conditions and carcinoma as presented in the lecture workbook.

Breast Origin

A modified sweat gland developed from the ectodermal ridge during the $5^{th}$ week of intra-uterine life (IUL).

Axillary Tail of Spence

A part of the breast tissue that extends into the axilla and passes through the deep fascia.

Lobules

The functional unit of the breast.

Rotter's Nodes

Interpectoral lymph nodes located between the Pectoralis major and Pectoralis minor muscles.

Pectoralis minor

The muscle that divides the axillary lymph nodes into Level I (lateral/below), Level II (behind), and Level III (above/medial).

Poland Syndrome

A congenital anomaly characterized by Amastia, hypoplasia of the pectoralis major, rib cartilage defects, and syndactyly.

BRCA 1 Mutation

A genetic mutation on chromosome $17$ associated with poorly differentiated, hormone receptor-negative breast cancer and increased risk of ovarian cancer.

BRCA 2 Mutation

A genetic mutation on chromosome $13$ associated with well-differentiated tumors and a higher frequency of male breast cancer.

Peau d'orange

A skin appearance resembling an orange peel caused by a block in the dermal lymphatics due to breast carcinoma.

Triple Assessment

The diagnostic protocol for a breast lump consisting of Clinical Examination, Imaging (Mammography or USG), and Needle Biopsy (FNAC or Core Biopsy).

Popcorn Calcification

A type of macro-calcification classically seen in mammography for benign Fibroadenoma.

BI-RADS Category 5

A classification indicating a lesion is highly suggestive of malignancy with a $\ge 95\%$ risk of cancer.

E-Cadherin Stain

A histological stain used to distinguish between Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (Positive) and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (Negative).

Indian File Pattern

A classical histological appearance of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma characterized by a single-file or linear alignment of cells.

Van Nuys Prognostic Index

A scoring system used for DCIS to predict local recurrence based on margins, microcalcification, size, age, and grade of malignancy.

Stewart-Treves Syndrome

Lymphangiosarcoma developing in a limb with long-standing lymphedema, usually following radical mastectomy.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

A procedure using Isosulfan blue dye or radioisotope-labeled colloid sulfur to identify the first draining lymph node in a breast tumor.

Tamoxifen

A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) used for hormone therapy in pre-menopausal women; side effects include thromboembolism and endometrial carcinoma.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Drugs such as Anastrozole or Letrozole used as first-line hormone therapy for post-menopausal women with ER/PR positive breast cancer.

Trastuzumab

A targeted therapy drug used for patients who test positive for the Her-2-Neu receptor.

Patey's Mastectomy

A modified radical mastectomy where the Pectoralis major is preserved, but the Pectoralis minor is removed or divided to clear Level I, II, and III axillary lymph nodes.

Auchincloss Mastectomy

A modified radical mastectomy where both the Pectoralis major and Pectoralis minor muscles are spared, and level III lymph nodes are not removed.

Winging of Scapula

An injury to the long thoracic nerve (Nerve of Bell) during axillary dissection, leading to paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle.

TRAM Flap

Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap used for breast reconstruction, based on the Superior Epigastric Artery (SEA).

DIEP Flap

Deep Inferior Epigastric Flap, a muscle-sparing reconstruction technique based on the inferior epigastric artery.

Fibroadenoma

The most common benign breast tumor in women aged $15-25\,years$, often referred to as a 'breast mouse' due to its high mobility.

Phyllodes Tumor

A leaf-like fibroepithelial tumor, formerly called Cystosarcoma Phyllodes, which spreads via the hematogenous route and is treated by wide local excision.

Duct Ectasia

Dilatation of the lactiferous ducts presenting with greenish-black nipple discharge and longitudinal nipple retraction; also known as Zuska's disease in chronic smokers.

Paget’s Disease of the Nipple

A superficial manifestation of underlying ductal carcinoma appearing as an itchy, eczematous lesion with large, vacuolated cells.

Mondor’s Disease

Superficial thrombophlebitis of the veins of the breast, presenting as a palpable cord-like or tubular structure.

Intra-ductal Papilloma

A benign tumor of the breast duct characterized by a fibrovascular stalk that can cause nipple discharge, often requiring surgical excision.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

A non-invasive breast lesion that serves as an indicator of increased risk for developing invasive breast cancer.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

A non-invasive breast cancer characterized by the proliferation of malignant cells within the ducts without invasion of surrounding tissues.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type of invasive breast cancer that begins in the ducts and invades nearby tissues.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

A type of invasive breast cancer that starts in the lobules and is known for its unique growth pattern and potential for multifocality.

Mammography

An X-ray imaging technique used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis, capable of detecting tumors that are not palpable.

Ultrasound

An imaging modality used in breast evaluations, particularly for characterizing palpable masses or cystic lesions.

MRI of the breast

An advanced imaging technique used to assess breast lesions, often as a complementary tool to mammography.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

A self-conducted method in which individuals check their breasts for abnormalities such as lumps or changes.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including age, family history, genetic mutations (BRCA1/2), and hormone exposure.

Classification of Breast Tumors

The categorization of breast tumors based on histological and molecular characteristics, such as their origin and behavior.

Biopsy Types

Procedures such as Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), Core Needle Biopsy, and Excisional Biopsy used to obtain tissue samples for diagnosis.

Stages of Breast Cancer

The classification of breast cancer by size, lymph node involvement, and presence of metastasis, ranging from Stage 0 (DCIS) to Stage IV.

Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB)

A surgical procedure to determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes by assessing the first node(s) that drain the tumor area.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Recommendations for the timing and frequency of mammograms and clinical breast exams based on risk factors and age.

Adjuvant Therapy

Additional treatment given after the primary treatment (surgery) to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

A treatment modality that uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells, often used after lumpectomy.

Chemotherapy

A systemic treatment approach that utilizes drugs to kill cancer cells, often administered before or after surgery.

Hormonal Therapy

Treatment that blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain cancers, commonly used in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.

HER2/neu Positive

A subtype of breast cancer characterized by overexpression of the HER2 protein, which can be targeted with specific therapies like Trastuzumab.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

A subtype of breast cancer that does not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or HER2; associated with a higher risk of recurrence.

Breast Reconstruction

Surgical procedures to recreate a breast shape after mastectomy, using either implants or autologous tissue.

Patient Education and Support

Resources and programs designed to provide information and support to patients and families facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Physical Therapy Post-Mastectomy

Rehabilitation services designed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function following breast surgery.

Genetic Counseling

A service that provides information and support for individuals considering genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes.