Medical Problems: Adult Female Palpable Breast Mass

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of an adult female palpable breast mass. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.

A breast mass (often referred as a breast “lump” by patients) is a common chief complaint (source)
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. A adult female palpable breast mass is a very self descriptive medical term. Defining what exactly an “adult” is can sometimes be subjective, however the spirit of this category is that it refers to patients who are no longer seen by pediatricians.

This page is a subcategory of the broader topic of palpable breast mass.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

While it is possible a breast mass can be benign, it can be the sign of a more serious condition that may require immediate intervention.

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for an adult female palpable breast mass can be organized in a few different ways:

CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of an adult female palpable breast mass have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with an adult female palpable breast mass. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data

 

Page Updated: 01.04.2016