In a message dated 8/9/02 6:26:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> I assure you, the histologists and breast surgeons placed this term into
> the nomenclature of the parts of the breast, and have printed actual
> electron microscope pictures of them. They *do* exist as separate
> entities of the ductal system in the area of the nipple-areolar complex.
> Granted, I doubt they are arranged precisely like the spokes on a bicycle
> wheel as diagrams have led us to believe, but they are there, and are
> palpable at certain portions of pregnancy and lactation.
>
> In the "resting" or non-lactating breast, they are contracted, and their
> shape is described in very interesting terms, and they are clearly
> identifiable under a microscope to the trained pathologist or surgeon's
> eye. There are even certain disease processes that affect just the
> lactiferous sinuses!
>

Jean, I would love to see these references and pictures as you describe.
Also what are the certain disease processes that affect just the lactiferous
sinuses?
I am not saying they are not present but what I saw on ultrasound right next
to the nipple was no ballooning out sinuses.  There were branches that were
fairly uniform in diameter that eventually dilated with the MER and then
constricted back down to the same diameter prior to the letdown.  I do like
your description of what is happening during the MER.  I think we all need
more information on what is really happening in the very full breast and
maybe the possibility that the pressure from all the breast tissue is then
adding to what we feel behind the areola (excluding any edema).
I look forward to reading your references.  The breast structure and function
has always fascinated me.  This is a great discussion.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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