Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

57
breast, infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the
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more than one site in the breast or in both breasts
at the same time (a bilateral lobular carcinoma).
breast, Paget’s disease of
The combination of
scaly skin on the nipple that resembles eczema and
an underlying cancer of the breast. The nipple is
inflamed because of the presence of Paget’s cells,
large, irregular cells that are almost always associ-
ated with cancer in the breast. In Paget’s disease, the
nipple and areola (the area surrounding the nipple)
are typically red, inflamed, and itchy. There may be
crusting, bleeding, or ulceration. The nipple may be
inverted (turned inward), and there may be a dis-
charge from the nipple. Paget’s disease of the breast
accounts for a small but significant minority of all
breast tumors. It usually occurs in women in their
50s, but it can occur at a later age. It is very rare in
men. Also called Paget’s disease of the nipple.
breast absence
See 
amastia.
breast augmentation
Artificial enlargement of
the breasts. Breast augmentation may be done by
insertion of a silicone bag (prosthesis) under the
breast (submammary) or under the breast and
chest muscle (subpectoral), after which the bag is
filled with saline solution. This prosthesis expands
the breast area to give the appearance of a fuller
breast (increased cup size).
breast cancer
A common form of cancer that
begins in the breast. There are many types of breast
cancer, and they differ in their capability of spread-
ing to other body tissues (metastasis). Breast can-
cer can occur in both men and women, although it
is more common in women. Some forms of breast
cancer are genetic (inherited), and others are
linked to exposure to cancer-causing substances,
but most cases of breast cancer occur for unknown
reasons. Risk factors for breast cancer may include
genetic predisposition, as indicated by a history of
breast cancer in close relatives; overexposure of the
chest to radiation, smoking, childlessness, induced
abortion, obesity and diet, and exposure to carcino-
genic substances. Breast cancer is diagnosed with
self-examination and physician examination of the
breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and
biopsy. Treatment depends on the type and location
of the breast cancer, as well as the age and health of
the patient. Options may include lumpectomy
(removal of the small, cancerous area only),
chemotherapy, radiation, and partial or total mas-
tectomy. The American Cancer Society recommends
that all women should perform regular breast self-
exams and that women should have a baseline
mammogram done between the ages of 35 and 40
years. After age 40, yearly mammograms are rec-
ommended. Breast cancer prevention includes diet
changes, avoiding carcinogens when possible, and
screening. Most breast cancers are treatable when
caught early, and survival rates are high. See also
breast cancer susceptibility gene; breast cancer,
familial; breast, infiltrating ductal carcinoma of
the; breast, infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the;
mastectomy.