In the adolescent, the aberrations associated with cyclical variations of mammary gland have little clinical expression. Indeed, in the early pubertal period, cyclical mastalgia is exceptional. But…

Ductal Ectasia: Anatomo-Physiologic Variation

Ductal ectasia is most frequent in middle-aged women. In adolescence, ectasia has been described as an exaggeration of sinus duct development, with an epithelium disposed in ‘accordion’…

The new ANDI classification is well suited to describe mammary hypertrophy. From normal breast volume to simple hypertrophy, or to major hypertrophy like gigantomastia, all the stages from normal…

Congenital Anomalies
Congenital anomalies may be uni- or bilateral and may involve the nipple, the breast or both. Breast abnormalities are classically observed along the line extending from…

Before the peri-menarchal period, the mammary gland consists of only a few ducts. During peri-menarchal development, the principal changes are duct sprouting and the addition of lobular structures. Estrogen induces connective…

The breast remains quiescent in the prepubertal stage and undergoes major changes at puberty under the influence of ovarian hormones. Estrogen increases adipose tissue and initiates stromal and ductal growth. Progesterone is probably important for…

Three major phases associated with the physiological processes of the mammary gland characterize this new classification.

Lobular Development between Puberty and 25 Years of Age
Lobular development is important…

Breast tissue originates from ectodermal layers. During the sixth week of embryogenesis, epidermal cells migrate into the underlying mesenchymal tissue and form primitive mammary ridges. These ridges initially extend from the…

A thorough understanding of the different mammary gland structures and their respective physiological roles helps to detect anatomic variations and diagnose breast disease at various ages. Mammary abnormalities may be classed as either…