PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a suspicious sign during a physical breast exam?

1. Consistency in breast shape

2. Skin dimpling and asymmetry

3. Symmetrical breast size

4. Normal nipple appearance

The correct answer is: Skin dimpling and asymmetry

Skin dimpling and asymmetry are considered suspicious signs during a physical breast exam because they can indicate underlying issues such as the presence of a mass or tumor. The skin overlying the breast tissue is closely related to the underlying breast parenchyma, and any changes in skin texture or appearance, such as dimpling, may suggest that a lesion is pulling on the skin. Asymmetry in breast shape can also raise concerns, as significant differences in size or contour may point to an abnormal growth or pathological process. While consistency in breast shape, symmetrical breast size, and normal nipple appearance are generally signs of a healthy breast exam, the presence of dimpling and asymmetry prompts further evaluation and investigation to rule out malignancy or other significant pathology. Thus, the identification of these combined signs can be critical in clinical assessment and management of breast health.