Breast 4489 225734383 2008-07-15T03:44:29Z Metagraph 6738192 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Chester polarbear|Chester polarbear]] to last version by Asher196 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}} {{about||other uses|Breast (disambiguation)|various cities in Europe pronounced in a similar way|Brest}} {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = Breast | Latin = mamma (cf. mammal f. [[Latin|L]] mammalis "of the breast"<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mammal mammal - Definitions from Dictionary.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>) | GraySubject = | GrayPage = | Image = Closeup of female breast.jpg | Caption = Human female's breast | Image2 = | Caption2 = | Precursor = | System = | Artery = [[internal thoracic artery]] | Vein = [[internal thoracic vein]] | Nerve = | Lymph = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = | DorlandsSuf = | }} The term '''breast''' refers to the upper ventral region of an animal’s [[torso]], particularly that of [[mammal]]s, including [[human beings]]. The breasts of a female [[primate]]’s body contain the [[mammary glands]], which secrete [[milk]] used to feed infants. This article deals with the human breast; for other animals, see [[udder]] and [[mammary gland]]. Breasts are more visible on adult [[woman|women]], but male humans also have breasts which, although usually less prominent, are structurally identical ([[homology (biology)|homologous]]) to the female, as they develop [[embryology|embryologically]] from the same tissues. ==Anatomy== {{See also|Human anatomy}} [[Image:Breast anatomy normal scheme.png|thumb|upright|'''Breast schematic diagram''' (adult female human cross section) - Legend: 1. [[Chest wall]] 2. [[Pectoralis muscle]]s 3. [[Lobules]] 4. [[Nipple]] 5. [[Areola]] 6. [[Duct]] 7. [[Adipose tissue|Fatty tissue]] 8. [[Skin]]]] The breasts are modified [[sweat gland|sudoriferous (sweat) glands]], producing [[milk]] in women, and in some rare cases, men.<ref name="Tortora, Gerard J.">''Introduction to the Human Body, fifth ed.'' John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York, 2001. '''560'''.</ref> Each breast has one [[nipple]] surrounded by the [[areola]]. The areola is colored from pink to dark brown and has several [[sebaceous gland]]s. In women, the larger [[mammary gland]]s within the breast produce the milk. They are distributed throughout the breast, with two-thirds of the tissue found within 30&nbsp;mm of the base of the nipple.<ref name="Ramsay">Anatomy of the lactating human breast redefined with ultrasound imaging, D.T. Ramsay et al., ''J. Anat.'' '''206''':525-34.</ref> These are drained to the nipple by between 4 and 18 ''lactiferous ducts'', where each duct has its own opening. The network formed by these ducts is complex, like the tangled roots of a tree. It is not always arranged radially, and branches close to the nipple. The ducts near the nipple do not act as milk reservoirs; Ramsay '' et al.'' have shown that conventionally described ''lactiferous sinuses'' do not, in fact, exist. The remainder of the breast is composed of [[connective tissue]] ([[collagen]] and [[elastin]]), [[adipose tissue]] (fat), and [[Cooper's ligaments]]. The ratio of glands to adipose tissues rises from 1:1 in nonlactating women to 2:1 in lactating women.<ref name="Ramsay"/> The breasts sit over the [[pectoralis major]] muscle and usually extend from the level of the 2nd rib to the level of the 6th rib anteriorly. The superior lateral quadrant of the breast extends diagonally upwards towards the [[axillae]] and is known as the [[tail of Spence]]. A thin layer of [[mammary tissue]] extends from the [[clavicle]] above to the seventh or eighth ribs below and from the midline to the edge of the [[latissimus dorsi]] posteriorly. (For further explanation, see [[anatomical terms of location]].) The [[artery|arterial]] [[Circulatory system|blood supply]] to the breasts is derived from the [[internal thoracic artery]] (formerly called the ''internal mammary artery''), [[lateral thoracic artery]], [[thoracoacromial artery]], and posterior intercostal arteries. The [[vein|venous]] drainage of the breast is mainly to the [[axillary vein]], but there is some drainage to the [[internal thoracic vein]] and the intercostal veins. Both sexes have a large concentration of [[blood vessel]]s and nerves in their nipples. The nipples of both women and men can become erect in response to sexual stimuli,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/female_function_dysfunction.html|title=www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/female_function_dysfunction.html<!--INSERT TITLE-->}}</ref> and also to cold. The breast is [[Peripheral nervous system|innervated]] by the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the fourth through sixth intercostal [[nerve]]s. The nipple is supplied by the T4 [[dermatomic area|dermatome]]. ===Lymphatic drainage=== About 75% of [[lymph]] from the breast travels to the [[Wiktionary:ipsilateral|ipsilateral]] axillary [[lymph node]]s. The rest travels to parasternal nodes, to the other breast, or abdominal lymph nodes. The axillary nodes include the pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups of lymph nodes. These drain to the central [[axillary lymph nodes]], then to the apical axillary lymph nodes. The lymphatic drainage of the breasts is particularly relevant to [[oncology]], since [[breast cancer]] is a common cancer and [[cancer]] cells can break away from a [[tumour]] and spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system by [[metastasis]]. ===Shape and support=== Breasts vary in both size and shape, and their external appearance is not predictive of their internal anatomy or lactation potential. The shape of a woman’s breasts is in large part dependent on their support, which primarily comes from the Cooper's ligaments, and the underlying chest on which they rest. The breast is attached at its base to the chest wall by the deep fascia over the pectoral muscles. On its upper surface it is given some support by the covering skin where it continues on to the upper chest wall. It is this support which determines the shape of the breasts. In a small fraction of women, the frontal milk sinuses (ampulla) in the breasts are not flush with the surrounding breast tissue, which causes the sinus area to visibly bulge outward. [[Image:Weibliche brust en.jpg|thumb|left|Relatively round breasts which protrude almost horizontally.]] In discussing the support of breasts, it is helpful to draw a distinction between breasts which rest on the chest below, and those which do not. High, rounded breasts protrude almost horizontally from the chest wall. All breasts are like this in early stages of development, and such a shape is common in younger women and girls. This protruding or “high” breast is anchored to the chest at its base, and the weight is distributed evenly over the area of the base of the approximately dome- or cone-shaped breasts. {{Fact|date=August 2007}} In the “low” breast, a proportion of the breasts’ weight is actually supported by the chest against which the lower breast surface comes to rest, as well as the deep anchorage at the base. The weight is thus distributed over a larger area, which has the effect of reducing the strain. In both males and females, the [[thoracic cavity]] slopes progressively outwards from the thoracic inlet (at the top of the [[breastbone]]) above to the lowest ribs which mark its lower boundary, allowing it to support the breasts. The [[inframammary fold]] (or line, or crease) is an anatomic structure created by adherence between elements in the skin and underlying connective tissue<ref name="Boutros_S">Boutros S, Kattash M, Wienfeld A, Yuksel E, Baer S, Shenaq S. <u>The intradermal anatomy of the inframammary fold</u>. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Sep; 102(4):1030-3. PMID </ref> and represents the inferior extent of breast anatomy. Some teenagers may develop breasts whose skin comes into contact with the chest below the fold at an early age, and some women may never develop such breasts; both situations are perfectly normal. The relationship of the nipple position to the fold is described as [[ptosis (breasts)|ptosis]], a term also applied to other body parts and which refers in general to drooping or sagging. Due to breast weight and relaxation of support structures, the nipple-areola complex and breast tissue may eventually hang below the fold, and in some cases the breasts may extend as far as, or even beyond, the navel. The length from the nipple to the sternal notch (central, upper border) in the youthful breast averages 21&nbsp;cm and is a common [[anthropometric]] figure used to assess both breast symmetry and ptosis. Lengthening of both this measurement and the distance between the nipple and the fold are both characteristic of advancing grades of ptosis. The end of the breast, which includes the nipple, may either be flat (a 180 degree angle) or angled (angles lower than 180 degrees). Breast ends are rarely angled sharper than 60 degrees. Angling of the end of the breast is caused in part by the ligaments that suspend it, such that the breast ends often have a more obtuse angle when a woman is lying on her back. Breasts exist in a range of ratios between length and base diameter, usually ranging from ½ to 1. ===Development=== {{Main|Thelarche}} The development of a girl's breasts during [[puberty]] is triggered by [[sex hormone]]s, chiefly [[estrogen]]. This hormone has been demonstrated to cause the development of woman-like, enlarged breasts in men, a condition called [[gynecomastia]], and is sometimes used deliberately for this effect in [[transwomen]] who receive [[hormone replacement therapy (male-to-female)|hormone replacement therapy]]. In most cases, the breasts fold down over the chest wall during [[Tanner stage|Tanner stage development]], as shown in this [http://myweb.dal.ca/mgoodyea/images/BreastpositionbyCupSize.gif diagram].<ref name="A.R.Greenbaum">A.R. Greenbaum, T. Heslop, J. Morris and K.W. Dunn, An investigation of the suitability of bra fit in women referred for reduction mammaplasty, Br J Plast Surg 56 (2003) (3), pp. 230–236</ref> It is typical for a woman’s breasts to be unequal in size particularly while the breasts are developing. Statistically it is slightly more common for the left breast to be the larger.<ref name="asymmetry">{{cite journal | author=C.W. Loughry, ''et al'' | title=Breast volume measurement of 598 women using biostereometric analysis | journal=Annals of Plastic Surgery | year=1989 | volume=22 | issue=5 | pages=380 &ndash; 385 | doi=10.1097/00000637-198905000-00002 }}</ref> In rare cases, the breasts may be significantly different in size, or one breast may fail to develop entirely. A large number of medical conditions are known to cause abnormal development of the breasts during puberty. [[Virginal breast hypertrophy]] is a condition which involves excessive growth of the breasts, and in some cases the continued growth beyond the usual pubescent age. Breast [[hypoplasia]] is a condition where one or both breasts fail to develop. In [[Cameroon]], some girls are subjected to [[breast ironing]] to stunt breast growth in order to make them less sexually attractive in the belief that this makes them less likely to become a victim of [[rape]]. ===Changes=== [[Image:Schwangerschaftsstreifen.JPG|thumb|right|Breast with visible stretchmarks.]] As breasts are mostly composed of adipose tissue, their size can change over time. This occurs for a number of reasons, most obviously when a girl grows during [[puberty]] and when a woman becomes [[pregnancy|pregnant]]. The breast size may also change if she gains (or loses) [[human weight|weight]] for any other reason. Any rapid increase in size of the breasts can result in the appearance of [[stretchmarks]]. It is typical for a number of other changes to occur during pregnancy: in addition to becoming larger, the breasts generally become firmer, mainly due to [[Organ hypertrophy|hypertrophy]] of the mammary gland in response to the [[hormone]] [[prolactin]]. The size of the nipples may increase noticeably and their pigmentation may become darker. These changes may continue during [[breastfeeding]]. The breasts generally revert to approximately their previous size after pregnancy, although there may be some increased sagging and stretchmarks. The size of a woman’s breasts usually fluctuates during the [[menstrual cycle]], particularly with [[premenstrual water retention]]. An increase in breast size is a common [[Adverse effect (medicine)|side effect]] of use of the [[combined oral contraceptive pill]]. The breasts naturally sag through [[aging]], as the [[ligaments]] become elongated. ==Function== ===Breastfeeding=== [[Image:breastfeeding infant.jpg|thumb|upright|right|An infant breastfeeding]] {{main|Breastfeeding}} The primary function of [[mammary gland]]s is to nurture young by producing [[breast milk]]. The production of milk is called [[lactation]]. (While the mammary glands that produce milk are present in the male, they normally remain undeveloped.) The orb-like shape of breasts may help limit heat loss, as a fairly high temperature is required for the production of milk. Alternatively, one theory states that the shape of the human breast evolved in order to prevent infants from suffocating while feeding.<ref name="Bentley">{{cite journal|last=Bentley|first=Gillian R.|year=2001|title=The Evolution of the Human Breast|journal=American Journal of Physical Anthropology|volume=32|issue=38}}</ref> Since human infants do not have a protruding jaw like human evolutionary ancestors and other primates, the infant’s nose might be blocked by a flat female chest while feeding.<ref name="Bentley" /> According to this theory, as the human jaw receded, the breasts became larger to compensate.<ref name="Bentley" /> Milk production unrelated to pregnancy can also occur. This [[galactorrhea]] may be an [[adverse effect (medicine)|adverse effect]] of some medicinal drugs (such as some antipsychotic medication), extreme physical stress or endocrine disorders. If it occurs in men it is called [[male lactation]]. Newborn babies are often capable of lactation because they receive the hormones [[prolactin]] and [[oxytocin]] via the mother's bloodstream, filtered through the [[placenta]]. This neonatal liquid is known colloquially as [[witch's milk]]. ===Sexual role=== Breasts play an important part in [[human sexual behavior]]. They are one of most visible or obvious female [[secondary sex characteristic]]s,<ref>[http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ATLAS_EN/html/secondary_characteristics.html secondary sex characteristics]</ref>. Compared to other primates, human breasts are proportionately large throughout adult females' lives and may have evolved as a visual signal of sexual maturity and fertility.<ref>{{cite journal | author=Anders Pape Møller, ''et al'' | title=Breast asymmetry, sexual selection, and human reproductive success | journal=Ethology and Sociobiology | year=1995 | volume=16 | issue=3 | pages=207–219 | doi=10.1016/0162-3095(95)00002-3 }} See abstract [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6X2B-4BP3M6S-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=40f5b0dc19fffc47470b8c72444b8838 here.]</ref> On [[sexual arousal]] breast size increases, [[vein|venous]] patterns across the breasts become more visible, and nipples harden. Breasts are sensitive to touch as they have many nerve endings, and it is common to press or massage breasts with hands during sexual intercourse. <ref> "The entire breast is a network of nerve endings" [http://kenyanflavour.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=32 link] </ref> [[Oral stimulation of nipples]] and breasts is also common. Some women can achieve [[breast orgasm]]s. In the [[ancient India]]n work the ''[[Kama Sutra]]'', marking breasts with nails and biting with teeth are explained as erotic.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/sex/kama/index.htm Sir Richard Burton's English translation of Kama Sutra]</ref> ''See also: [[Mammary intercourse]]''. ===Other suggested functions=== [[Zoologists]] point out that no female mammal other than the human has breasts of comparable size, relative to the rest of the body, when not lactating and that humans are the only [[primate]] that has permanently swollen breasts. This suggests that the external form of the breasts is connected to factors other than lactation alone.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Some zoologists (notably [[Desmond Morris]]) believe that the shape of female breasts evolved as a frontal counterpart to that of the [[buttocks]], the reason being that whilst other primates mate in the [[doggy-style|rear-entry]] position, humans, because of their upright posture, are more likely to successfully [[copulate]] by mating face to face, the so-called [[missionary position]]. Morris suggested in 1967 that a secondary sexual characteristic on a woman’s chest would have encouraged this in more primitive incarnations of the human race, and a face on encounter may have helped found a relationship between partners beyond merely a sexual one.<ref name="NakedApe">{{cite book | last = Morris | first = Desmond | authorlink = Desmond Morris | title = The Naked Ape: a zoologist's study of the human animal | publisher = [[Bantam Books]] | date = 1967 | location = Canada | pages = 64–68 | id = N3924 }}</ref> However, this theory has since been generally disregarded due to the discovery that other primates, such as orangutans, routinely mate in the face-to-face position even though the females do not have prominent breasts. ==Cultural status== ===In art, religion, and legend=== [[Image:Snake Goddess Crete 1600BC.jpg|thumb|left|The "Snake Goddess" statuette of ancient [[Minoan Civilization]] represents a woman in clothing that exposes the breasts.]] Historically, breasts have been regarded as [[fertility symbol]]s, because they are the source of life-giving milk. Certain prehistoric female statuettes—so-called [[Venus figurines]] — often emphasised the breasts, as in the example of the [[Venus of Willendorf]] or the "Snake Goddess" of [[Minoan civilization]]. In historic times, goddesses such as [[Ishtar]] were shown with many breasts, alluding to their role as protectors of childbirth and mothering. The legendary tribe of [[Amazons]] bared their breasts, and in some accounts removed one breast to allow better combat and archery. Some religions afford the breast a special status, either in formal teachings or in symbolism. [[Islam]] forbids public exposure of the female breasts.<ref name="Cover_Chest">“They shall cover their chests” or “they should draw their khimar (veils) over their bosoms”, depending on the translation, [[Quran]] (24:31). [http://www.submission.org/suras/sura24.html Available online]</ref> In [[Saint symbology|Christian iconography]], some works of art depict women with their breasts in their hands or on a platter, signifying that they died as a martyr by having their breasts severed; one example of this is [[Agatha of Sicily|Saint Agatha of Sicily]]. In [[Silappatikaram]], [[Kannagi]] tears off her left breast and flings it on [[Madurai]], cursing it, causing a devastating fire. [[Image:Junge Hamer in Südäthiopien.jpg|thumb|upright|A woman wearing traditional clothing in Southern [[Ethiopia]]. Many societies have no cultural proscriptions on women going bare-breasted.]] ===In practice=== Breasts are [[secondary sex characteristics]] and sexually sensitive. Bare female breasts can elicit heightened [[sexual desire]]s from men and women. Cultures that associate the breast primarily with sex (as opposed to with breastfeeding) tend to designate bare breasts as [[decency|indecent]], and they are not commonly displayed in public, in contrast to male chests. Other cultures view female [[toplessness]] as acceptable, and in some countries women have never been forbidden to bare their chests; in some African cultures, for example, the thigh is highly sexualised and never exposed in public, but the breast is not [[taboo]]. Opinion on the exposure of breasts often depends on the place and context, and in some [[Western World|Western societies]] exposure of breasts on a beach may be acceptable, although in town centres, for example, it is usually considered indecent. In some areas the prohibition against the display of a woman’s breasts only restricts exposure of the [[nipples]]. Women in some areas and cultures are approaching the issue of breast exposure as one of [[sexual equality]], since men (and pre-pubescent children) may bare their chests, but women and teenage girls are forbidden. In the [[United States]], the [[topfreedom|topfree equality movement]] seeks to redress this imbalance. This movement won a decision in 1992 in the [[New York (state)|New York]] State Court of Appeals—“People v. Santorelli”, where the court ruled that the state’s indecent exposure laws do not ban women from being barebreasted. A similar movement succeeded in most parts of [[Canada]] in the 1990s. In [[Australia]] and much of [[Europe]] it is acceptable for women and teenage girls to sunbathe topless on some public beaches and swimming pools, but these are generally the only public areas where exposing breasts is acceptable. When [[History of breastfeeding#Breastfeeding in public|breastfeeding a baby in public]], legal and social rules regarding [[indecent exposure]] and [[dress code]]s, as well as inhibitions of the woman, tend to be relaxed. Numerous laws around the world have made public breastfeeding legal and disallow companies from prohibiting it in the workplace. Yet the public reaction at the sight of breastfeeding can make the situation uncomfortable for those involved. ''See also [[modesty]], [[nudism]] and [[exhibitionism]].'' ===Clothing=== Since the breasts are flexible, their shape may be affected by clothing, and [[foundation garments]] in particular. A [[brassiere]] (bra) may be worn to give additional support and to alter the shape of the breasts. There is some debate over whether such support is desirable. A long term clinical study showed that women with large breasts can suffer [[Brassiere#Myalgia|shoulder pain as a result of bra straps]],<ref name="Ryan">Ryan, EL, Pectoral girdle myalgia in women: a five-year study in a clinical setting. Clin J Pain. 2000 Dec; 16(4):298-303.</ref> although a well fitting bra should support most of the breasts’ weight with proper sized cups and back band rather than on the shoulders. ===Plastic surgery=== [[Image:Breasts.jpg|thumb|right|Breast implant patient, pre-operative (left) and post-operative (right)]] [[plastic surgery|Plastic surgical]] procedures of the breast include those for both [[cosmetic surgery|cosmetic]] and [[reconstructive surgery]] indications. Some women choose these procedures as a result of the high value placed on [[symmetry]] of the human form, and because they identify their femininity and sense of self with their breasts. After [[mastectomy]] (the surgical removal of a breast, usually to treat [[breast cancer]]) some women undergo [[breast reconstruction]], either with [[breast implants]] or autologous tissue transfer, using fat and tissues from the abdomen ([[TRAM flap]]) or back (latissiumus muscle flap). [[Breast reduction]] surgery is a common procedure which involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin with repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Cosmetic procedures include breast lifts ([[mastopexy]]), [[breast augmentation]] with implants, and procedures that combine both elements. Implants containing either [[silicone]] gel or [[saline]] are available for augmentation and reconstructive surgeries. Surgery can repair [[inverted nipple]]s by releasing ductal tissues which are tethering. Breast lift with or without reduction can be part of upper body lift after massive weight loss body contouring. Any surgery of the breast carries with it the potential for interfering with future breastfeeding,<ref name="Neifert">{{cite journal | last=Neifert | first=M | authorlink = | coauthors=DeMarzo S, Seacat J, Young D, Leff M, Orleans M | title=The influence of breast surgery, breast appearance and pregnancy-induced changes on lactation sufficiency as measured by infant weight gain | journal=Birth | volume=17 | issue=1 | pages=31–38 | date=1990 | pmid=2288566 | doi=10.1111/j.1523-536X.1990.tb00007.x }}</ref><ref name="LLLsurgery">{{cite web | title=FAQ on Previous Breast Surgery and Breastfeeding | publisher=La Leche League International | date=2006-08-29 | url=http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/surgery.html | accessdate=2007-02-11 }}</ref><ref name="DianaWest">{{cite web | last=West | first=Diana | title=Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery | publisher=Australian Breastfeeding Association | url =http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/surgery.html | accessdate=2007-02-11 }}</ref> causing alterations in nipple sensation, and difficulty in interpreting [[mammography]] (xrays of the breast). A number of studies have demonstrated a similar ability to breastfeed when breast reduction patients are compared to control groups where the surgery was performed using a modern pedicle surgical technique.<ref name="Korchin">{{cite journal | last=Cruz-Korchin | first=N | coauthors=Korchin L | title=Breast-feeding after vertical mammaplasty with medial pedicle | journal=Plast Reconstr Surg | volume=15 | issue=114 | pages =890–94 | date =2004-09-15 | pmid=15468394 }}</ref><ref name="Brzozowski">{{cite journal | last =Brzozowski | first =D | coauthors=Niessen M, Evans HB, Hurst LN | title=Breast-feeding after inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty | journal=Plast Reconstr Surg | volume=105 | issue=2 | pages= 530–34 | date=February 2000 | pmid=10697157}}</ref><ref name="Witte">{{cite journal | last=Witte | first=PM | coauthors=van der Lei B, van der Biezen JJ, Spronk CA | title=Successful breastfeeding after reduction mammaplasty | journal =Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd | volume =148 | issue =26 | pages = 1291–93 | date =2004-06-26 | pmid=15279213}}</ref><ref name="Kakagia">{{cite journal | last=Kakagia | first=D | authorlink = | coauthors=Tripsiannis G, Tsoutsos D | title=Breastfeeding after reduction mammaplasty: a comparison of 3 techniques | journal=Ann Plast Surg | volume=55 | issue=4 | pages= 343–45 | date=2005-10 | pmid =16186694}}</ref> Plastic surgery organizations have generally discouraged elective cosmetic breast augmentation surgery for teenage girls as the volume of their breast tissue may continue to grow significantly as they mature and because of concerns about understanding long-term risks and benefits of the procedure. Breast surgery in teens for reduction of significantly enlarged breasts or surgery to correct [[hypoplasia]] and severe asymmetry is considered on a case by case basis by most surgeons. ==Health== {{Main|Breast health}} {{Expert|date=June 2008}} {{Cleanup|date=December 2007}} ===Pre-malignant and malignant diseases=== [[Image:En Breast cancer illustrations.gif|300px|thumb|upright|Illustration of the early warning signs of [[breast cancer]]]] * [[Carcinoma in situ]], a pre-malignant condition which can progress to a malignant cancer [[Malignant]] diseases include: * [[Breast cancer]] * Paget’s disease of the nipple, also known as [[Paget's disease of the breast|Paget’s disease of the breast]] Among women worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[World Health Organization]] |month=February |year=2006 |title=Fact sheet No. 297: Cancer |url=http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/index.html |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> [[Breast self-examination]] (BSE) is an easy but unreliable method for finding possible [[breast cancer]],<ref>[http://www.thebreastsite.com/breast-cancer/breast-self-examination.aspx Breast Self Examination at The Breast Site<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> which is recommended once every month. ===Infections and inflammations=== These may be caused among others by trauma, secretory stasis/milk engorgement, hormonal stimulation, infections or autoimmune reactions. Repeated occurrence unrelated to lactation requires endocrinological examination. * [[Mastitis]] ** bacterial mastitis ** mastitis from milk engorgement or secretory [[stasis (medicine)|stasis]] ** mastitis of [[mumps]] ** chronic intramammary [[abscess]] ** chronic subareolar [[abscess]] ** [[tuberculosis]] of the breast ** [[syphilis]] of the breast ** retromammary [[abscess]] ** [[actinomycosis]] of the breast ** [[Mondor's disease|Mondor’s disease]] ** [[duct ectasia syndrome]] ** [[breast engorgement]] ===Benign conditions=== [[Image:Invertednipple.jpg|thumb|right|Breast with an inverted nipple.]] [[Benign]] conditions include: * [[Congenital disorder]]s ** [[inverted nipple]] ** [[supernumerary nipples]]/[[accessory breast|supernumerary breasts]] (polymazia / polymastia) /duplicated nipples * [[Aberrations]] of normal development and involution ** cyclical nodularity ** [[breast cyst]]s ** [[fibroadenoma]] - [[benign tumor]] ** [[gynecomastia]] (males) ** [[nipple discharge]], [[galactorrhea]] ** mammary [[fistula]] * [[Fibrocystic disease]] / Fibrocystic changes ** cysts ** [[epithelial hyperplasia]] ** [[epithelial metaplasia]] ** [[papillomas]] ** [[adenosis]] * [[Pregnancy]]-related ** [[galactocoele]] ==See also== {{wiktionarypar2|breasts}} * [[Brassiere]] * [[Breast bondage]] * [[Breast fetishism]] * [[Breast self-examination]] * [[Cleavage (breasts)]] * [[Intimate part]] * [[Mammary intercourse]] * [[Milk line]] * [[Teat]] * [[Wonderbra]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==Gallery== {{Cleanup|date=June 2008}} <gallery> Image:95C.jpg|Front view of woman's breasts Image:Breasts01.jpg|Side view of a woman's breasts Image:Julie Winchester 1.JPG|Normal variation in shape Image:Breastfeeding(milkfinal).png|Illustration of [[Computed tomography angiography|saggital]] section of a human breast Image:Imframammary fold.jpg|Diagram showing inframammary fold Image:Brassiere.jpg|Woman in [[brassiere]] showing [[cleavage]] Image:Himba ladies.jpg|[[Himba]] women from Africa, who traditionally go [[topless]] Image:Topless Barcelona.jpg|Women topless on European beach Image:ImmodestyBlaizeMEW2007Topless.jpg|Woman wearing [[pasties]] Image:Nipples after.jpg|Breasts with pierced [[nipple]]s Image:Nipple shield on painted breast-2.jpg|Nipple shield piercing on a woman's painted breast Image:Intricate rope breast bondage.jpg|[[Breast bondage]] Image:Breastfeeding-icon-med.svg|International [[breastfeeding]] symbol Image:Dissected lactating breast gray1172.png|Diagram of dissected lactating breast Image:CooperWaxModel.jpg|Wax cast of a lactating human breast Image:449px-Manual Breast Pump 2005 SeanMcClean.jpg|[[Breast pump]] Image:Breast and nipple changes during late pregnancy.jpg|Breasts of a woman in late [[pregnancy]] Image:Fomfr breast ripper.jpg|15th century torture instrument designed to rip off breasts Image:Breast implants.png|Diagrams of cross sections of breast implants, subglandular (left) and submuscular (right) Image:Silicone gel-filled breast implants.jpeg|Silicone breast implants Image:Ruptured implant.JPG|Ruptured silicone implant with removed capsule Image:Saline-filled breast implants.jpeg|Saline breast implants Image:Capsular fibrosis.jpg|Grade IV [[capsular contracture]] in breast implant patient Image:MaxiMounds.jpg|[[Maxi Mounds]], adult entertainer with [[Polypropylene breast implants]]. These implants are banned in the [[United States]] and in the [[European Union]]. Image:Breastreduction.PNG|The common inferior pedicle [[breast reduction]] procedure with final result (red indicates incision lines) Image:Breast self exam 1.jpg|Breast self exam Image:Mammogram.jpg|Woman undergoing [[mammogram]] Image:Mammo breast cancer.jpg|Mammography pictures, normal (left) and cancerous (right) Image:Mammogram showing breast cancer.jpg|Mammogram displaying breast cancer, indicated with an arrow (click for larger view) Image:Mastectomie 02.jpg|[[Mastectomy]] patient Image:Discrene Breast forms.JPG|[[Breast prostheses]] used by some mastectomy patients Image:Inflammatory breast cancer.jpg|Drawing of [[inflammatory breast cancer]] Image:RecurrentbreastCA.gif|Patient with advanced local-regional recurrence of breast cancer with an ulcerating axillary mass Image:BreastCancer.jpg|[[Mastectomy]] specimen containing a very large cancer of the breast (in this case, an invasive ductal carcinoma) Image:Breast cancer gross appearance.jpg|Typical macroscopic ([[gross examination|gross]]) appearance of the cut surface of a [[mastectomy]] specimen containing a cancer, in this case, an invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, pale area at the center Image:Breast cancer.JPG|Excised human breast tissue, showing a stellate area of cancer 2cm in diameter. The lesion could be felt clinically as a hard mobile lump, not attached to skin or chest wall. Image:Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast.jpg|Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast Image:Granular Cell Tumor.jpg|Benign granular cell tumor removed from a woman's breast. Granular cell tumors of the breast represent one of the few lesions that can impersonate an invasive breast cancer on gross examination. Image:Muc1.jpg|Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the Breast assayed with anti Mucin 1 antibody Image:HER2(2).jpg|Breast cancer (Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast) assayed with anti HER-2 (ErbB2) antibody Image:Breast invasive lobular carcinoma (2).jpg|Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast demonstrating a predominantly lobular growth pattern Image:Tripolar Mitosis - breast carcinoma.jpg|Metaplastic (sarcomatoid) carcinoma of the breast. Image:Breast DCIS histopathology (1).jpg|Histopathologic image from ductal cell carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of breast. Hematoxylin-eosin stain. Image:Breast invasive scirrhous carcinoma histopathology (1).jpg|Histopathology of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast representing a scirrhous growth. Core needle biopsy. Hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image:Breast invasive scirrhous carcinoma histopathology (2) HER2 expression.JPG|Histopathology of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast representing a scirrhous growth. Core needle biopsy. HER-2/neu oncoprotein expression by Ventana immunostaining system. Image:IDC1.jpg|Breast cancer (Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast) dyed with H&E Image:Intraductal papilloma histopathology (1).jpg|Histopathology of intraductal papilloma of the breast by excisional biopsy. Hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image:Intraductal papilloma histopathology (2) smooth muscle actin.JPG|Histopathology of intraductal papilloma of the breast by excisional biopsy. Immunostaining for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Image:Intraductal papilloma histopathology (3) p63.JPG|Histopathology of intraductal papilloma of the breast by excisional biopsy. Immunostaining for p63 protein. Image:Breast fibroadenoma by fine needle aspiration (1) DG stain.jpg|Breast fibroadenoma Image:Breast fibroadenoma by fine needle aspiration (2) PAP stain.jpg|Breast fibroadenoma Image:Breast fibradenoma (1).jpg|Histopathologic image of breast fibroadenoma. Core needle biopsy. Hematoxylin & eosin stain. Image:Breast fibradenoma (2).jpg|Histopathologic image of breast fibroadenoma. Core needle biopsy. Hematoxylin & eosin stain. Image:Intraductal papilloma histopathology (1).jpg|Histopathology of intraductal papilloma of the breast by excisional biopsy. Hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image:Intraductal papilloma histopathology (2) smooth muscle actin.JPG|Histopathology of intraductal papilloma of the breast by excisional biopsy. Immunostaining for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Image:Intraductal papilloma histopathology (3) p63.JPG|Histopathology of intraductal papilloma of the breast by excisional biopsy. Immunostaining for p63 protein. </gallery> ==External links== {{commonscat|Breasts}} * [http://www.007b.com/breast_gallery.php Images of female breasts] * [http://bra.and.bras.googlepages.com/nursing_bras.html Pregnancy and your breasts] * [http://www.puberty101.com/p_stages_breasts.shtml Stages of breast development, from Puberty101] * [http://www.nyu.edu/fas/ihpk/CultureMatters/Mascia-Lees.htm “Are Women Evolutionary Sex Objects?: Why Women Have Breasts”] {{human anatomical features}} {{Female reproductive system}} {{sex}} [[Category:Breast|*]] [[Category:Exocrine system]] [[Category:Female reproductive system]] [[Category:Mammal anatomy]] [[Category:Glands]] [[Category:Secondary sexual characteristics]] [[Category:Integumentary system]] [[ar:ثدي]] [[gn:Káma]] [[ay:Ñuñu]] [[bg:Гърда]] [[ca:Pit]] [[cs:Prs]] [[da:Bryst]] [[de:Weibliche Brust]] [[es:Mama]] [[eo:Mamo]] [[eu:Bular]] [[fr:Sein]] [[hr:Dojka]] [[io:Mamo]] [[ilo:Suso]] [[id:Payudara]] [[is:Brjóst]] [[it:Mammella]] [[he:שד (איבר)]] [[pam:Susu]] [[ku:Çiçik]] [[la:Mamma]] [[lt:Krūtis]] [[ln:Libɛ́lɛ]] [[ml:സ്തനം]] [[nl:Borst]] [[ja:乳房]] [[ce:Мамканаш]] [[no:Bryst]] [[nn:Bryst]] [[pl:Sutek]] [[pt:Seios]] [[qu:Ñuñu]] [[ru:Женская грудь]] [[scn:Minna (senu dâ fìmmina)]] [[simple:Breast]] [[sk:Prsník]] [[fi:Rinnat]] [[sv:Bröstkörtlar]] [[th:เต้านม]] [[vi:Vú]] [[tr:Meme]] [[uk:Груди]] [[zh-yue:𢆡]] [[zh:乳房]]