Benign Breast Diseases: An Introduction for the Advanced Practice Nurse

The discovery of an abnormality in the breast may provoke anxiety for patient and clinician alike. Fortunately, most lesions in the breast are benign. Physical examination and breast imaging, including mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, assist in the diagnosis of benign breast diseases. Understanding benign breast diseases is important for advanced practice nurses because these diseases are commonly seen in daily clinical practice.

AT A GLANCE

• Many women present to the primary care setting with a breast complaint.
• Most breast complaints can be attributed to benign breast disease. 
• Advanced practice nurses can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of benign breast disease.