Breast Histopathology : Normal Breast Disease Modules

Dr. Charles Hitchcock, MD, PhD

Normal Breast Histology• Primary Learning Objective

– Describe breast anatomy and function, including changes of lactation.

• Secondary Learning Objectives– Describe the gross anatomy and normal histology

of the female breast.– Describe the changes that occur in the breast

during puberty, pregnancy, and lactation.

Breast Anatomy

UOQ UIQ

LOQ LIQ

50% 10%

10%10%

20%

Distribution of Tumors in the Breast

Breast Lymphatics

1

2

InterlobularStroma

TerminalDuct

TDLUs InterlobularStroma

IntralobularStroma

Intralobular Ducts

Acini

Acini

Intralobular Stroma

Intralobular Stroma

Basement Membrane

Luminal Epithelial Cells

Myoepithelial Cells

Myoepithelial Cells

Physiologic ChangesInactive Pregnancy

Lactation

A B

Key Points To RememberAbout the Normal Breast

• The TDLU, the functional unit of the breast, contains: – Terminal duct and lobules lined by myoepithelial cells and

ductal epithelial cells.– Contains delicate intralobular stroma (gives rise to

fibroadenoma)– Dense collagenous stroma separates the TDLUs

• TDLUs respond to estrogen stimulation by proliferating and during pregnancy and lactation undergo marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia to produce milk.– Withdraw of estrogen leads to glandular cellular atrophy

and apoptosis.

Normal Breast 1 Quiz

Thank you!After reflecting on the normal breast histology, contact me if you have

any questions at charles.hitchcock@osumc.edu

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