WHAT
IS CONSIDERED “NORMAL”?
BELOW
THE SURFACE . . .
| DUCT
SYSTEM WITHIN THE BREAST
The breast is made up of many overlapping sections called lobes.
Within each lobe are smaller lobules where milk can be produced by bulbs.
The lobes and lobules are connected by thin “branch-like” tubes called
ducts. These ducts, which open to the nipple, provide the transport
system for mother’s milk.12,13 |
 |
 |
LYMPH
SYSTEM WITHIN THE BREAST
The
lymph system is one of our bodies filtering systems. Tissue fluid
enters the lymph system through the “root-like” lymph vessels. From
there, lymphatic fluid is taken through the lymph nodes where it is cleaned
before being returned to the blood system.7
The lymph vessels and lymph nodes in your breasts are not normally detectable.
However, when the lymphatic system is stressed by injury, infection or
disease, the lymph nodes may enlarge and become inflamed, painful and/or
red.8
The bean shaped lymph nodes contain large numbers of “Pac Man®” like
cells called macrophages. Macrophages literally consume bacteria
which has been disabled or killed by lymphocytes, the body’s bacterial
watchdogs.8 |
LYMPH
NODES AND LYMPH VESSELS
GLANDULAR
TISSUE
Glandular tissue is just another name for the lobes, lobules, and duct
systems within your breasts. Glandular tissues are normaly firm and
rubbery to the touch, similar to the tissue on the end of your nose.
The ductal tissue under the nipple and areola is usually quite soft.
This combination makes the breast feel somewhat volcano shaped on physical
exam. |
 |
COOPER’S
LIGAMENTS
Cooper’s ligaments are scattered throughout the breasts. They are
string-like structures which act to support the breast tissue.10
The skin dimpling in breast cancer is largely due to the tumor related
shortening of Cooper’s ligaments.
 |
INFRAMAMMARY
RIDGE
The inframammary ridge is a band of fat tissue formed by the folding over
of the breast upon itself.5,10
It can be felt as a firm curved ridge supporting the lower portion of the
breast. The discovery of the inframammary ridge, before learning
it is a normal breast structure, has caused many women great anxiety. |
| SKELETAL
STRUCTURES
Bone structures commonly identified on breast self exams are the clavicle,
ribs and sternum. You will be able to feel portions of these bony
structures around the edges of breast and muscle tissue during self
breast exams. |
 |
~
Home
~
Table of Contents ~ Secure
Order Form ~
“Breast-Mapping”®
was designed as an educational tool and it should not be used in place
of appropriate medical care. Every effort has been made to ensure
that the information presented herein is accurate at the time of publication.
New research is ongoing however, and therefore it is possible that the
data and recommendations presented herein may be invalidated by new findings.
|
