Breast Cancer Nipple Discharge Breast Feeding Breast Development Breast development in the prepubertal female begins at a median age of 9.8 years, when the breast and nipple papilla begin to elevate slightly and the area around the nipple called the areola begins to enlarge. The breast continues to enlarge over the next several years as the areola and nipple papilla separate from the breast and then the areola recedes into the contours of the breast at a median age of 14.6 years. In most teens and women, one breast is slightly smaller than the other. It is normal for breasts to be somewhat tender due to hormonal changes during development and relative to cyclic hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle. It is important to examine your own breasts on a regular basis to check for any new lumps or changes from how your breasts usually feel.
Suspicious lumps are hard, irregular, usually nontender and fixed to the underlying tissue.
The best time to do a breast exam is right after having a menstrual period, or monthly around the same time each month if you are no longer menstruating. First, stand in front of a mirror and examine both breasts for changes on contour or any puckering, dimpling or scaling. Raise your arms and try clasping your hands behind your head, pressing your hands forward to tighten the chest muscles. Next put your hands on your hips, press down firmly and lean forward, checking again for any changes. The next part of the breast exam can best be accomplished in the shower, perhaps even with soapy hands to decrease the surface tension and allow the underlying tissue to be felt more easily.