Breast and Axilla Assessment Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering breast and axilla assessment, including risk factors, screening recommendations, clinical findings, and developmental variations.

BRCA1 and BRCA2

Genetic factors associated with an $80\%$ chance of developing breast cancer.

Modifiable Risk Factors

Health factors that can be changed, including pregnancy after the age of $30$ years (or never being pregnant), post-menopausal hormone use, obesity, and ETOH (alcohol) consumption.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

Factors that cannot be changed, such as age, gender, personal/family history of cancer, genetic factors, Caucasian ethnicity, early onset menstruation, and late menopause.

DES exposure

A non-modifiable risk factor referring to exposure to Diethylstilbestrol, which increases the threat to breast health.

SBE (Self Breast Exam)

A screening method that provides a baseline for clients to know what is normal for their breasts; it does not replace other screening methods.

Mammography

A breast cancer screening tool generally recommended to start yearly for high-risk clients at an age of $> 40$ years.

Subjective Data Meds

Medications that should be assessed for breast health including hormone therapy, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cardiac glycosides.

OLD CARTS

A mnemonic used to gather more information about a patient's chief complaint during the subjective assessment of the breast and axilla.

Supernumerary nipples

An expected finding referring to the existence of extra nipples along the milk line.

Striae

An expected finding during breast assessment, commonly known as stretch marks.

Peau D'orange

An unexpected assessment finding where the skin of the breast appears thickened and pitted, resembling an orange peel.

Breast Engorgement

A condition occurring $2-5$ days post-partum during lactation where the breasts become swollen with milk.

Mastitis

An inflammation of the breast tissue that can occur during the lactation period.

Inframammary ridge

A prominent structure that is an expected finding in older adults during breast assessment.

Thelarche

The beginning of breast development in children and adolescents, which may start as young as $8$ years.

Gynecomastia

A condition involving the enlargement of breast tissue in males.

Axillary lymphatic nodes

The network of nodes responsible for drainage from the breast, including supraclavicular, subscapular, brachial, axillary, external mammary, interpectoral, and parasternal nodes.