What would be documented as a finding in a normal breast examination?

What would be documented as a finding in a normal breast examination?

• A. No dimpling or retraction; no masses palpated
• B. Right breast larger with tenderness and discharge
• C. 1 cm hard, fixed mass with pain
• D. Pendulous breasts with noted tubercles and no masses

Answer: (D)

In a normal breast examination, the presence of pendulous breasts with noted tubercles and no masses is consistent with a typical finding. Tubercles, which are small bumps or glands (specifically Montgomery tubercles), are normal anatomical variations that can be observed on the surface of the areola. The absence of any palpable masses indicates a healthy breast tissue, aligning with the expectations for a normal examination. While pendulous breasts may be a variation in breast shape and size, they do not signify pathology. The presence of tubercles is common and can be a normal physiological feature, reflecting the breast's developmental stage rather than any underlying issue. By contrast, conditions such as tenderness, discharge, hard or fixed masses, or any other significant changes in texture, shape, or size often point to pathology that would warrant further investigation. Therefore, the correct characterization of normal findings in this context revolves around the lack of abnormalities, which fits well with the description given.

In a normal breast examination, the presence of pendulous breasts with noted tubercles and no masses is consistent with a typical finding. Tubercles, which are small bumps or glands (specifically Montgomery tubercles), are normal anatomical variations that can be observed on the surface of the areola. The absence of any palpable masses indicates a healthy breast tissue, aligning with the expectations for a normal examination.

While pendulous breasts may be a variation in breast shape and size, they do not signify pathology. The presence of tubercles is common and can be a normal physiological feature, reflecting the breast's developmental stage rather than any underlying issue.

By contrast, conditions such as tenderness, discharge, hard or fixed masses, or any other significant changes in texture, shape, or size often point to pathology that would warrant further investigation. Therefore, the correct characterization of normal findings in this context revolves around the lack of abnormalities, which fits well with the description given.