Breast Structure and Cancer Detection: Responsibilities and Methods for Early Detection
Breasts, a glandular organ present in both sexes, play a significant role in the human body. While female breasts are more developed, male and female breasts share common structural components.
The breasts, situated atop the chest wall and pectoral muscles, consist of glandular tissue (lobules for milk production), a ductal system (ducts carry milk to the nipple), adipose (fat) tissue providing padding, and the nipple-areola complex. Male breast anatomy has fewer glandular tissues and smaller, less developed ducts compared to females [1].
The nipple, the raised projection in the middle of the areola, provides an exit for milk release during breastfeeding and contains smooth muscles that can cause the nipple to become erect. The areola, the darker, pigmented, round area around the nipple, has small bumps on its surface that release oily secretions.
The lymph nodes, small organs present throughout the body, including in the underarm region (axillary group) and the breast region (internal mammary group), produce a fluid called lymph and drain lymph from the breast.
Female breasts develop during puberty due to the effects of estrogen and other hormones, and their primary biological function is to produce milk for breastfeeding.
Breast cancer, the most common cancer in American women, can occur in both men and women. Although less common, it is the leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. The lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 12%.
Regular self-examinations can help increase the likelihood of early detection of breast cancer, potentially leading to more successful treatment. To perform a breast self-examination, a person should begin by visually inspecting the breasts in front of a mirror for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture and look for nipple abnormalities. Next, with the pads of the fingers, systematically palpate the entire breast and the axilla (underarm area) using different pressure levels to feel for lumps or thickening. This can be done lying down or standing, ideally after a warm shower when the skin is softer [2].
If a person notices any changes, finds a lump, or experiences discharge from the nipple, they should seek advice from their primary care physician. A doctor will be able to check and order tests to ensure a correct diagnosis.
It is essential to remember that the male breast structure is nearly identical to the female breast, but they usually lack the specialized structures that allow female breasts to produce and secrete milk.
References:
[1] Male Breast Anatomy. (2021). In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
[2] Breast Self-Exam. (2021). In American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/breast-self-exam.html
- Despite sharing structural similarities, male breasts have fewer glandular tissues and smaller, less developed ducts compared to female breasts.
- Breast cancer, the most common cancer in American women, can also affect men, although it's less common and is the leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.
- Regular self-examinations can increase the likelihood of early detection of breast cancer, which may lead to more successful treatment.
- The lymph nodes, present in the underarm region and breast region, produce a fluid called lymph and drain lymph from the breast.
- Health and wellness, especially for women, is deeply intertwined with early detection and proper management of breast cancer, a significant medical condition.
