Breast Index

Featured: Breast (Anatomy and Function) Main Article

The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. The ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The darkened area around the nipple is called the areola. Common medical concerns in regard to the breast include breast lumps, breast cysts, breast cancer, and breast infections.

    Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Swollen Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Swollen Lymph Nodes Article
      • What are lymph nodes?
      • Where are the lymph nodes located in the body?
      • Picture of lymph nodes located in the body
      • What are the causes of swollen lymph nodes?
      • What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes?
      • How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?
      • How are swollen lymph nodes treated?
      • When should I see the doctor for swollen lymph nodes?
      • What are the common lymph nodes that may get swollen?
      • What are the complications of swollen lymph nodes?
      • Swollen Lymph Nodes At A Glance
    • Cysts Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance....learn more »
      In This Article
      Cysts Article
      • What is a cyst?
      • What are the causes of a cyst?
      • What are the different types of cysts?
      • What are cyst symptoms and signs, and how are cysts diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for a cyst?
      • Is prevention of cysts possible?
      • What is the prognosis of cysts?
      • Cysts At A Glance
    • Thrush Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a...learn more »
      In This Article
      Thrush Article
      • Thrush facts
      • What is thrush?
      • What causes thrush?
      • What are risk factors for thrush?
      • What are thrush symptoms and signs?
      • How is thrush diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for thrush?
      • Are there home remedies for thrush?
      • What is the prognosis of thrush?
      • Can thrush be prevented?
    • Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms...learn more »
      In This Article
      Breast Cancer Article
      • Breast cancer facts
      • What is breast cancer?
      • What are the different types of breast cancer?
      • What causes breast cancer?
      • What are breast cancer risk factors?
      • What are breast cancer symptoms and signs?
      • How is breast cancer diagnosed?
      • How is breast cancer staging determined?
      • What is the treatment for breast cancer?
      • What is the prognosis of breast cancer?
      • Can breast cancer be prevented?
      • What research is being done on breast cancer? Should I participate in a clinical trial?
      • I may have breast cancer. What questions should I ask my doctor?
      • Is the doctor sure I have breast cancer?
      • What type of breast cancer do I have?
      • What difference does a precise diagnosis make?
      • What has been done to exclude cancer in other areas of the same breast or in my other breast?
      • What type of medical team do I need for the most accurate diagnosis?
      • Is my family history relevant to my breast cancer diagnosis?
      • What other studies should be done on my tissue biopsy?
      • How urgent is it that I make decisions and begin treatment?
      • Should I stop taking hormone therapy (HT)?
      • Even though my breast tumor does not have hormone receptors, should I take tamoxifen to reduce the risk of a new tumor?
      • I have a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a type of localized cancer. Why have I been advised to have a mastectomy when other women with invasive cancer have lumpectomies?
      • Should I start chemotherapy before surgery?
      • If I am advised to have a mastectomy, what are the risks and benefits of immediate breast reconstruction?
      • Should my lymph nodes be removed?
      • What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy and what are its benefits and risks?
      • Are there any other questions I should ask my doctor?
    • Am I Pregnant? 12 Early Pregnancy Symptoms (Week by Week) Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. There are some symptoms that are more frequent in some women. These symptoms ...learn more »
      In This Article
      Am I Pregnant? 12 Early Pregnancy Symptoms (Week by Week) Article
      • Am I pregnant?
      • Pregnancy facts
      • What are the most common pregnancy symptoms?
      • Missed period
      • Breast swelling, tenderness, and pain
      • Abdominal cramps and bloating
      • Food cravings
      • Fatigue and tiredness
      • Elevated basal body temperature
      • Nausea and vomiting
      • Frequent urination
      • Changes in nipple color
      • Melasma (darkening of the skin)
      • Mood swings and stress
      • Headaches
    • Fibrocystic Breast Condition Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) is characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort...learn more »
      In This Article
      Fibrocystic Breast Condition Article
      • What are fibrocystic breasts?
      • Is there a difference between fibrocystic breast condition and fibrocystic breast disease?
      • What causes fibrocystic breasts?
      • Which women are more likely to develop fibrocystic breast condition?
      • Can fibrocystic breast condition affect just one breast?
      • Why is it important to diagnosis fibrocystic breasts?
      • How is fibrocystic breast condition diagnosed?
      • Is there more than one type of fibrocystic breast condition?
      • Why can fibrocystic breast condition be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
      • Why don't all women with fibrocystic breast condition have breast biopsies?
      • What is the recommended follow-up for women with fibrocystic breast condition?
      • How is the risk of breast cancer in fibrocystic breast condition patients calculated?
      • What are the treatments for fibrocystic breast condition?
      • Are there any dietary or life style factors associated with fibrocystic breast condition?
      • Fibrocystic Breast condition At A Glance

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Terms related to Breast:

  • Areola
  • Mammary Gland
  • Nipple