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 About Breasts
Benign
Breast Conditions
Fibrocystic Breasts
Breast Cancer
Mammograms
Breast Health
It is vital that women understand and are familiar with the
normal physiology of their breasts. This aids women in
detecting any changes or breast abnormalities that are present
or that may occur. The earlier breast abnormalities are
discovered, the better the ability to discern between healthy
breasts and abnormal breasts. Early discovery of breast
cancerous tumors greatly increases the odds of survival. All
women should engage in monthly breast exams at all times, even
when pregnant.
Research suggests that 90% of women have benign
(non-cancerous) breast conditions. Once a women has identified
a benign breast condition, she can learn about it and
understand it while performing breast examinations.
About Breasts
The breast is composed of:
-
fat
-
milk glands (lobules)
-
nipple
-
ducts (function to transport
milk from the milk glands to the nipple)
-
areola (pink or brown pigmented
area that surrounds the nipple)
-
connective tissue that surrounds
the milk glands and ducts
The breast is a mass of fatty,
glandular and fibrous tissues that rest over the
pectoral muscles of the chest wall. They are attached to the
chest wall by fibrous
strands. A layer of fatty tissue surrounds the breast glands
and exists throughout the breast. It is the fatty tissue of
the breast that gives it a soft consistency.
The glandular tissues of the breast are where the milk glands
and ducts exist. Moving toward the nipple, each duct widens to
form a sac called an ampulla. When lactating, the bulbs on the
ends of the milk glands produce milk, where it can then be
moved through the ducts to the nipple.
The best way to keep breasts
healthy is to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet that is
low in fat and get regular physical exercise. Monthly
self breast examinations are critical for the early detection
of breast abnormalities.
Imaginis is an outstanding
website filled with information and resources about all
aspects of
breast health. Learn everything you need to know
about
breast self exams. |
