Breast Cancer
Approximately 15% of female cancer in the United States is of the breast, second to skin cancer. Discuss with your peers when a patient presents to you with a breast mass, what are your differentials? What is your plan of care for a patient who presents with a breast mass, both cancerous and noncancerous?
Sample Solution
Breast Cancer
Breast lumps or masses are very common, particularly among women of reproductive age. Breast masses are common and are associated with a wide spectrum of disease, from benign physiological adenosis to advanced malignancy. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with an incidence of approximately 12%, and therefore although the vast majority of breast lumps are benign, a thorough and structured approach is required in all cases. In general, the approach should follow the triple-assessment pathway of clinical examination, radiological imaging, and pathology analysis. Clinical examination of a breast lump is the first stage in the triple-assessment approach. Both breasts and axillae should be examined meticulously by the clinician, as well as carrying out physical examination in favor of other, more targeted investigation modalities such as mammography or sonography. The findings of the physical examination are crucial for effective diagnosis and management of breast disease.
