History taking in breast disease

The history should cover the following:

• age:
  • less than 30 years
  • older than 50 years
    
    
• lump:
  • when first noted
  • tenderness
  • change in size
    
    
• nipple discharge:
  • colour
  • unilateral or bilateral
  • any associated mass
    
    
• recent nipple inversion
  
  
• eczema, dimpling, ulceration
  
  
• evidence of systemic disease
  
  
• relevant gynaecological history:
  • age of menarche, menopause
  • parity, age at first pregnancy, breast feeding
  • use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy
    
    
• relevant past medical history:
  • previous breast disease - benign, malignant
  • recent breast trauma
  • prior breast radiation exposure
    
    
• family history of breast disease