Breast Developmental Anomalies: A Review of the Problem
Pius Agbenorku *
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The breast is a sign of female sexual identity. However, there are some anomalies that affect normal breast development. These abnormalities could have physiological, psychological and psychosocial effects on an individual and could result in the person developing a negative self image. Not much study on these anomalies has been carried out even though most people are likely to suffer from any one of these breast developmental abnormalities (BDA) than breast cancer. Awareness on these abnormalities is very low unlike breast cancer. Due to low awareness, people with this form of condition are not aware of measures available. Incidence of these anomalies could be high hence the need to educate people on these abnormalities. This review seeks to create the awareness on BDAs and the necessary interventions available.
Keywords: Breast developmental anomalies, breast cancer, awareness, physiological effect, psychological effect, psychosocial effect.