The structure of the breast Breast tissue is a complex network of lobules (small round sacs that produce milk) and
The lobes, milk ducts, areola, nipple, and fatty and fibrous tissue are the main parts of the female breast. Fat and fibrous tissue make up most of the breast. The lobes and ducts are spread throughout this tissue. Some women have "dense" breasts.
In surgical parlance, the cleavage or intermammary cleft is also known as the "medial definition" or "medial fold" of breasts. An imaginary line between the nipples that crosses the intermammary cleft, serving as a landmark for some CPR procedures, is known as the "intermammary line".
A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together.
“[Areolas] contain small, sensitive bumps called Montgomery's glands, which secrete a fluid that keeps the nipples lubricated,” explains Dr. Aliabadi. So bumps are kinda part of the anatomy. Note that these oil glands can also become blocked, which may make them look larger or similar to a pimple.
Breast pain can be due to many possible causes. Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.
Some people have lumpier breasts than others. If your breasts feel the same on both sides, it's probably normal for you. But lumps that feel harder or different may be a cause for concern. If you find a new lump or notice a change in the lumps you already have, it's a good idea to contact a healthcare provider.
"More often than not, breast lumps are harmless. But, any lump could potentially be breast cancer, and it's impossible for a woman to determine whether her lump is cancerous or benign just by feeling it."
The two most common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.
Stimulating, caressing or simply holding breasts sends nerve signals to the brain, which trigger the release of the 'cuddle hormone' called oxytocin, a neurochemical secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland in the brain.
Why Do Breasts Get Bigger With Age? Technically, they don't. It's not age that makes your breast get bigger. It's weight gain—and people happen to gain weight as they age.
Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.
Each breast contains between 15 and 20 sections called lobes, each of which is composed of many smaller structures known as glands or alveoli. These glands produce milk. A system of small tubes known as ducts transports milk from the glands to a big central duct that has multiple openings in the nipple.
The expert says that the phenomena is common. For most people, it's the left breast which is bigger. But if your right breast is bigger, there's nothing abnormal about it.
A cancerous lump is usually hard, not soft or squishy. And it often has angular, irregular, asymmetrical edges, as opposed to being smooth, Dr. Comander says. In order for you to feel a cancerous lump, it probably has to be rather large and closer to the surface of the skin.
Fibroadenomas are not cancerous. They range in size from smaller than a marble to as large as a golf ball. Most appear suddenly and stay the same size. Some shrink or continue to grow.
Some people may believe that a breast injury could lead to cancer because breast injuries can cause a lump to develop after an injury. But a lump could be due to what is called fat necrosis. Fat necrosis is scarring of dead or injured fatty tissue in the breast that can cause a lump.
Breast buds are normal, small disc-shaped rubbery lumps felt under the nipple. Age: they normally occur in 8 to 12 year old girls. They are the first sign of puberty. Sometimes, they are even normal in 7 year olds.
A lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Lumps are often hard and painless, although some are painful. However, not all lumps are cancer. Benign breast conditions (like cysts) that can also cause lumps.
Cyclic breast pain tends to occur in the upper, outer areas of both breasts, and it can also be felt in the underarm area. Non-cyclic pain is not related to the menstrual cycle, and it doesn't usually come and go in a regular pattern.
But, if you're finding the opposite, that's also completely normal. The main reasons why women's breasts get bigger as they get older are: Weight gain or weight redistribution. Fluctuating hormone levels due to menopause.