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    Am Fam Physician. 2000 Apr 15;61(8):2371-8, 2385.

    The evaluation of common breast problems.

    Source

    Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.

    Abstract

    The most common breast problems for which women consult a physician are breast pain, nipple discharge and a palpable mass. Most women with these complaints have benign breast disease. Breast pain alone is rarely a presenting symptom of cancer, and imaging studies should be reserved for use in women who fall within usual screening guidelines. A nipple discharge can be characterized as physiologic or pathologic based on the findings of the history and physical examination. A pathologic discharge is an indication for terminal duct excision. A dominant breast mass requires histologic diagnosis. A breast cyst can be diagnosed and treated by aspiration. The management of a solid mass depends on the degree of clinical suspicion and the patient's age.

    PMID:
    10794579
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
    Free full text

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