Which of the following reflects abnormal findings during inspection phase of breast examination

For most women, the results of a clinical breast exam (CBE) will be normal.

If your CBE finds something abnormal, you will need follow-up tests to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer.

Most abnormal findings from a CBE are not breast cancer.

For most women, follow-up tests will show normal breast tissue. For other women, follow-up tests will show a benign (not cancer) breast condition. A small number of women will have breast cancer.

It’s important to get follow-up without delay if you have an abnormal CBE. That way, if you have breast cancer, it can be treated as soon as possible.

Learn about follow-up after an abnormal mammogram.

Follow-up tests

Types of follow-up tests

If your CBE finds something abnormal, the follow-up tests you’ll have depend on the type of finding and your age.

Follow-up most often begins with the least invasive tests, such as a follow-up mammogram (diagnostic mammogram) or breast ultrasound.

In some cases, more tests such as a breast MRI may be recommended.

If you need follow-up tests, a patient navigator at your medical center may help coordinate your care.

When a biopsy is needed

If the finding looks like it might be breast cancer, the next step is a biopsy. A biopsy removes a small amount of tissue in the breast to check for cancer.

If the biopsy shows no cancer, you return to your regular schedule of screening with mammograms and clinical breast exams.

If breast cancer is found, it can be treated. With standard treatment, people who have breast cancers found early have a high chance of survival.

If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, a patient navigator at your medical center may help you coordinate your care.

Learn more about biopsies and breast cancer diagnosis.

Learn about breast cancer treatment.

Learn about breast cancer screening recommendations for women at average risk.

Learn about breast cancer screening recommendations for women at higher than average risk.

Follow-up on a breast lump

The most common abnormal finding from a CBE is a lump. A lump is also called a palpable (can be felt) mass.

Your health care provider may insert a needle into the lump or order a breast ultrasound to check whether the lump is fluid-filled or solid.

If it’s fluid-filled, it’s most likely a cyst. Cysts are a benign (not cancer) breast condition and often don’t need treatment.

If the breast lump is solid, it’s more likely to be breast cancer and often needs more testing.

Women younger than 30

In women under 30, most breast lumps are benign (not cancer).

Follow-up usually begins with a breast ultrasound and possibly a diagnostic mammogram.

For some women, the first step may be observation. This involves re-checking the lump after 1-2 menstrual periods to see if it goes away. This is often the case.

If you don’t want to wait, talk with your health care provider or get a second opinion.

Some women will need a biopsy to check whether or not the lump is breast cancer.

Learn more about biopsies and breast cancer diagnosis.

Women ages 30 and older

For women 30 and older, follow-up on a breast lump usually begins with a mammogram (diagnostic mammogram) and a breast ultrasound.

Some women will need a biopsy to check whether or not the lump is breast cancer.

Learn more about biopsies and breast cancer diagnosis.

Other abnormal findings

Other abnormal findings during a CBE may include (see pictures):

• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge  
• Pain

As with a lump, these findings need proper follow-up to be sure they aren’t breast cancer.  

• 1. 

  The sebaceous glands on the areola, which enlarge and produce a secretion that protects and lubricates the nipples

  • A. 

    Areola

  • B. 

    Montgomery's glands (tubercles)

  • C. 

    Axillary tail

  • D. 

    Acini cells

  • E. 

    Suspensory ligaments

  • F. 

    Mammary ridge

• 2. 

  (Tail of Spence) Breast tissue that extends superiolaterally into the axilla

  • A. 

    Areola

  • B. 

    Montgomery's glands (tubercles)

  • C. 

    Axillary tail

  • D. 

    Acini cells

  • E. 

    Suspensory ligaments

  • F. 

    Mammary ridge

• 3. 

  Glandular tissue in each breast that produce milk

  • A. 

    Areola

  • B. 

    Montgomery's glands (tubercles)

  • C. 

    Axillary tail

  • D. 

    Acini cells

  • E. 

    Suspensory ligaments

  • F. 

    Mammary ridge

• 4. 

  (Coopers ligaments) Ligaments that extend from the connective tissue layer, through the breast, and attach to the fascia underlying the breast

  • A. 

    Areola

  • B. 

    Montgomery's glands (tubercles)

  • C. 

    Axillary tail

  • D. 

    Acini cells

  • E. 

    Suspensory ligaments

  • F. 

    Mammary ridge

• 5. 

  "Milk line", which extends from each axilla to the groin

  • A. 

    Areola

  • B. 

    Montgomery's glands (tubercles)

  • C. 

    Axillary tail

  • D. 

    Acini cells

  • E. 

    Suspensory ligaments

  • F. 

    Mammary ridge

• 6. 

  Thick, yellow discharge that may leak from breasts in the month prior to birth in preparation for lactation

  • A. 

    Colostrum

  • B. 

    Gynecomastia

  • C. 

    Peau d'orange

  • D. 

    Galactorrhea

• 7. 

  Benign temporary breast enlargement in one or both breasts in males

  • A. 

    Colostrum

  • B. 

    Gynecomastia

  • C. 

    Peau d'orange

  • D. 

    Galactorrhea

• 8. 

  "Orange peel" appearance caused by edema from blocked lymphatic drainage in advanced cancer

  • A. 

    Colostrum

  • B. 

    Gynecomastia

  • C. 

    Peau d'orange

  • D. 

    Galactorrhea

• 9. 

  Lactation not associated with childbearing or breast-feeding

  • A. 

    Colostrum

  • B. 

    Gynecomastia

  • C. 

    Peau d'orange

  • D. 

    Galactorrhea

• 10. 

  A client asks the nurse, "Why do I need to examine my underarms when I perform my breast exam?" Which of the following is the most appropriate response for the nurse to make to this client?

  • A. 

    This is the hardest area to feel for changes.

  • B. 

    Breast tissue extends into the axilla.

  • C. 

    This is the least likely area for breast cancer to occur.

  • D. 

    It is easier to detect abnormalities in this area than in the breast tissue.

• 11. 

  What is the nurse assessing when performing a breast assessment on a client and palpating along the inner aspect of the humerus?

  • A. 

    Central axillary nodes

  • B. 

    Subscapular nodes

  • C. 

    Pectoral nodes

  • D. 

    Brachial (lateral axillary) nodes

• 12. 

  A 14-year-old female client is upset because her breast development is not equal. What can the nurse say to this client?

  • A. 

    "Your breasts appear equal in size."

  • B. 

    "Don't worry; most girls have breasts that are slightly unequal in size."

  • C. 

    "It is normal for breast tissue development to be unequal during puberty. It will even out as you get older."

  • D. 

    "Did your mother experience the same thing when she was your age?"

• 13. 

  A 65-year-old female client wants to know if she should still continue to perform self breast assessments. The most appropriate response by the nurse is:

  • A. 

    "Breast cancer can still develop when you get older."

  • B. 

    "After age 60, it is not really necessary."

  • C. 

    "Self exam is not necessary if you get yearly mammograms."

  • D. 

    "Women can stop breast self exams after menopause."

• 14. 

  When performing a breast examination, the nurse notes the presence of Montgomerys tubercles, soft tissue bilaterally, palpable infraclavicular lymph nodes, and slight tenderness to deep palpation bilaterally. Which of the findings would the nurse consider a deviation from normal?

  • A. 

    The presence of Montgomery's tubercles

  • B. 

    Soft tissue bilaterally

  • C. 

    Slight tenderness to deep palpation

  • D. 

    Palpable infraclavicular lymph nodes

• 15. 

  The nurse is planning a focused breast/axillae interview and wants to include a general health question. Which of the following questions would fit these criteria?

  • A. 

    "Has your mother or sister had breast cancer?"

  • B. 

    "Are you still menstruating?"

  • C. 

    "Have you had any breast trauma?"

  • D. 

    "Have you ever had a mammogram?"

• 16. 

  The nurse is preparing to examine the breasts of a male client and plans to do which of the following? Select all that apply.

  • A. 

    Position the client in the sitting position for inspection of the breasts.

  • B. 

    Position the client in the supine position for palpation of the breasts.

  • C. 

    Palpate the lymph nodes in the axillary region.

  • D. 

    Palpate extensively in the Tail of Spence area since this is where most breast cancers occur in males.

  • E. 

    Ask about a family history of testicular cancer since testicular and breast cancer are related conditions.

• 17. 

  A 32-week-pregnant client is upset and thinks she has breast disease because she has a yellowish discharge coming from her breasts. What can the nurse say or do for this client?

  • A. 

    "This is normal toward the end of pregnancy and is called colostrum."

  • B. 

    Refer the client for a mammogram.

  • C. 

    Notify the health care provider.

  • D. 

    Ask history questions about previous breast infections.

• 18. 

  The nurse is performing a breast examination. Which of the following reflect abnormal findings during the inspection phase of breast examination?

  • A. 

    A woman whose left breast is slightly larger than her right

  • B. 

    A woman whose skin is marked with linear striae

  • C. 

    A pregnant woman whose breasts have a fine blue network of veins visible under the skin

  • D. 

    A woman whose nipples are pointing in different directions

• 19. 

  Which of the following positions accentuates the presence of dimpling during the inspection phase of breast assessment?

  • A. 

    Sitting with arms relaxed at the sides

  • B. 

    Leaning forward with arms in front of the client

  • C. 

    Sitting with arms raised over the head

  • D. 

    Supine with arm elevated

• 20. 

  During a breast assessment, the nurse notes an inverted right nipple. The nurse knows that this is:

  • A. 

    Always indicative of a slow growing tumor

  • B. 

    A significant finding if it is recent

  • C. 

    A normal finding in most women

  • D. 

    Usually found on lactating mothers

• 21. 

  When gathering breast history information on a client, the client states that she has noticed a few drops of clear discharge from her nipples over the past few months. Which of the following actions is most appropriate in this situation?

  • A. 

    Notify the health care provider.

  • B. 

    Document the presence of the discharge.

  • C. 

    Ask additional history questions about the discharge and medications she is currently taking.

  • D. 

    Refer the client for a mammogram.

• 22. 

  A 20-year-old client with benign breast disease says she has increased breast pain and tenderness with menses. What should the nurse do in this situation?

  • A. 

    Discuss the relationship of benign breast disease to breast cancer.

  • B. 

    Explain that a breast biopsy may be indicated.

  • C. 

    Tell the client that this condition will soon go away.

  • D. 

    Discuss how reducing caffeine and salt intake and wearing a support bra might help.

• 23. 

  The nurse is palpating the breasts of a 30-year-old nonlactating female. Which of the following would be considered normal for this client?

  • A. 

    Smooth, elastic breast tissue

  • B. 

    The presence of galactorrhea

  • C. 

    Peau d'orange

  • D. 

    Thickening of the skin

• 24. 

  The nurse notes the presence of gynecomastia in a 15-year-old client. The nurse knows:

  • A. 

    This condition is abnormal if it is of recent onset.

  • B. 

    The client may be at increased risk for the development of breast cancer.

  • C. 

    This is an abnormal finding for a client at this age.

  • D. 

    This is a temporary condition in puberty.

• 25. 

  Characterized by Lumps, Pain or Tenderness, and Nipple Discharge as a Result of Thickening of the Breast Tissue

  • A. 

    Benign Breast Disease

  • B. 

    Fibroadenoma

  • C. 

    Intraductal Papilloma

  • D. 

    Mammary Duct Ectasia

  • E. 

    Carcinoma of the Breast

  • F. 

    Abnormalities of the Male Breast

  • G. 

    Gynecomastia

  • H. 

    Carcinoma

What would be an abnormal finding when inspecting the breasts?

Which of the following accentuates the presence of dimpling during the inspection phase of breast assessment?

What are the abnormalities of the breast?

Which assessment finding is considered normal during inspection of a woman's breasts?