The mammary gland : anatomy, histology, pathology and post-surgery physiotherapy management

Ameršek, Kim (author), Ančimer, Špela (author), Antončič, Jerca (author), Bjelajac, Sara (author), Hrovatin, Ajda (author), Kavčič, Ana (author), Marinček, Lara Nina (author), Markun, Nika (author), Pirnat, Jerneja (author), Plešnik, Tinkara (author), Štrumbelj Drusany, Katrina (author), Volk, Lara (author), Zabukovec, Kim (author), Gošnak Dahmane, Raja (author)

The mammary gland is a highly specialized organ dedicated to milk production, composed of glandular, connective, and adipose tissues. It undergoes dynamic structural changes throughout life, influenced by hormonal cycles essential for reproduction and lactation. Despite its vital physiological role, the mammary gland is susceptible to pathological conditions, most notably breast carcinoma, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This article provides an overview of the anatomy, histology, pathology, and physiotherapy rehabilitation strategies related to the mammary gland. A literature review was conducted drawing from peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and guidelines to examine mammary gland anatomy, histology, breast carcinoma, and physiotherapy approaches following surgery. The lymphatic system, particularly the axillary lymph nodes, plays a crucial role in immune defense and serves as the primary route for metastatic spread in breast cancer, making it a key diagnostic and prognostic marker. Breast carcinoma can be benign, non-invasive malignant, or invasive malignant. Invasive carcinomas, including ductal and lobular carcinoma, are the most aggressive and frequently metastasize through lymphatic pathways. Post-surgical physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing complications like lymphedema, improving upper limb mobility, and supporting psychological well-being. Rehabilitation involves methods like manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and advanced treatments, including low level laser therapy, all aimed at accelerating recovery and enhancing quality of life. In Slovenia, physiotherapy protocols emphasize early patient education, gradual exercise progression, and lymphedema prevention. Personalized strategies integrating anatomical and pathological knowledge significantly enhance recovery outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients.

• Language: English
• Keywords: mammary gland anatomy and histology, lymphatic system, breast carcinoma, breast cancer rehabilitation, physiotherapy management
• Work type: Other
• Typology: 1.08 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: Str. 20-29
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-167973
• UDC: 611:618.19-006.6-073
• DOI: 10.55295/PSL.12.2025.I3
• COBISS.SI-ID: 229789699
• Publication date in RUL: 21.03.2025

Record is a part of a monograph

• Title: Socratic Lectures : 12th international symposium, Ljubljana, January 11, 2025
• Editors: Veronika Kralj-Iglič, Anna Romolo, Yelena Istileulova
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: University of Ljubljana Press
• Year: 2025
• ISBN: 978-961-297-541-8
• COBISS.SI-ID: 227883267

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.