Summary – Breast and Axilla

Breast and axillary assessment are important components of the well physical exam for both male and female clients. Breast tissue structure and function change during different stages of the human life cycle, from birth to puberty to adulthood, and for women during their menstrual cycles and the menopausal period. Due to a lack of estrogen and progesterone, men do not experience as much breast tissue change throughout their lifetime but still retain risk for breast tissue disorders. Common disorders of the breast and axilla include breast cancer, breast infection and abscess, gynecomastia, nipple discharge, and axilla rash, irritation, pigment changes (acanthosis nigricans), and infection (hidradenitis suppurativa).