Clinical Case: Miss Anderson's Breast Lump
 
Symptoms & History

Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation

One in nine women will develop breast cancer.
  • A third will die of the disease
  • Rare before 25, but incidence rises with age.
  • Average age at diagnosis is 64.
  • Genetic predisposition
    • Familial history is a risk factor
    • BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for 5-10%
  • Increased risk associated with cancer of the contralateral breast and/or endometrium.
  • Radiation exposure increases risk.
  • Geography and/or ethnic background is important. Asian women have reduced risk, but rises slowly after immigrating to the west.
  • Risk increases with early menarche and late menopause.
  • More frequent in nulliparous women as compared to multiparous women.
  • Increased risk in women older than 30 years at the time of their first child.
  • Post menopausal estrogens and oral contraceptives have little if any effect on incidence.
Hormonal influences                                                 Back
 

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