PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which type of breast mass is frequently found in women aged 40-50 years old?

1. Fibroadenoma

2. Breast cyst

3. Invasive ductal carcinoma

4. Mastitis

The correct answer is: Breast cyst

The correct choice of breast mass commonly found in women aged 40-50 years is breast cysts. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast tissue and are more prevalent in women in their forties and fifties, coinciding with hormonal changes during premenopause that can affect breast tissue. This age group is particularly susceptible due to hormonal fluctuations that can lead to the formation of cysts which are often benign and can fluctuate in size based on the menstrual cycle. Breast cysts may also be palpable and can sometimes cause discomfort, making awareness of them particularly important in this demographic. On the other hand, while fibroadenomas can occur in this age group, they are more commonly found in younger women, typically in their teens and twenties. Invasive ductal carcinoma does occur in this age range but is not the most frequently identified mass type in asymptomatic women—it's more often associated with later years, particularly in women over 50. Mastitis is usually related to breastfeeding and is not a common breast mass in the general population of women aged 40-50.