Reproductive System Concerns and Breast Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering reproductive health issues, menstrual cycle variations, benign breast conditions, and breast cancer pathology and management.

Menarche

The start of menstruation, occurring at an average age of ~$12.4$ years and influenced by BMI and socioeconomic status.

Primary Amenorrhea

The absence of menarche by age $15$ or within $5$ years of breast development.

Secondary Amenorrhea

The absence of menses for >6 months after menarche has already been established.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation linked to prostaglandins that occurs in the absence of underlying pathology.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation caused by specific conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

A group of physical and psychological symptoms, including bloating, breast tenderness, depression, and anxiety, managed through lifestyle and medications like SSRIs.

Endometriosis

The growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, commonly found on the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, or ligaments.

Chocolate cysts

Ovarian cysts containing old blood, associated with endometriosis.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)

Irregular bleeding not tied to menstrual cycles, most commonly caused by anovulation.

Menopause

Defined as $12$ months of amenorrhea, with an average onset age of ~$51$ years.

Perimenopause

A transition period characterized by variable bleeding patterns, thinner vaginal walls, and Genitourinary Syndrome.

DEXA Scan

A bone density testing method used to screen for osteoporosis, a risk during menopause.

Fibrocystic Changes

The most common benign breast disorder in women aged $20-50$, involving an exaggerated response to cyclical ovarian hormones resulting in lumpiness and tenderness.

Mastalgia

Breast pain that can be cyclic (hormone-related and bilateral) or non-cyclic (localized and linked to trauma or cysts).

Fibroadenoma

A firm, nontender, mobile, and slow-growing solid benign breast mass common in women aged $20-30$.

Galactorrhea

Nipple discharge caused by elevated prolactin levels from medications, thyroid issues, or tumors.

Breast Cellulitis

An infection of the breast characterized by red, inflamed, and warm skin.

BRCA1/BRCA2

Specific genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk for malignant breast conditions.

Peau d’orange

A skin change in the breast resembling an orange peel, which is a clinical manifestation of breast cancer.

TNM System

A staging system for breast cancer based on Tumor size, Node involvement, and Metastasis.

Mammography

The gold standard imaging technique for early breast cancer detection.

Tomosynthesis

A $3D$ mammography technique recommended for individuals with dense breast tissue.

Core Needle Biopsy

The most common biopsy technique used for breast masses due to its quick turnaround.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

An aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is harder to treat because it lacks three common receptors.

Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS)

Surgical options such as lumpectomy or segmental mastectomy, typically followed by radiation therapy.

Neoadjuvant Therapy

Systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy, administered to shrink tumors prior to breast-conserving surgery.