Need-to-know anatomy

In women, each breast is a milk-producing organ consisting of 15 to 20 lobes, or areas of glandular tissue that radiate from the nipple in much the same way that the petals of a flower radiate from its center. The lobes consist of smaller lobules, the glands that produce the milk. Hollow tubes, or ducts, transport milk from the lobules to the nipple. The connective tissue that supports these structures is known as stroma. In women of childbearing age, the majority of breast mass consists of fibrous and glandular tissue. After menopause, this glandular tissue tends to be replaced by fatty tissue.

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The breasts also contain networks of lymph vessels, small tubes that circulate lymph, a fluid that carries disease-fighting white cells throughout the body. These vessels connect to lymph nodes, immune-system organs located mainly in the underarm area (axilla) and near the chest wall and over the collarbone and neck region. The lymph nodes store white cells and filter out bacteria and cancer cells.