LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 23 May 2010 08:16:06 -0400
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (26 lines)
Lactiferous sinuses-real or perceived! Are they permanent structures or is there some other explanation for widening of ductal structures? I looked to the research to see what has been written recently for a book I am writing and found the following. Ramsay, Kent, Hartmann, and Hartmann (2005) used ultrasound to measure and describe the characteristics of the main portion of the ductal system, such as duct diameter, branching of the ducts, and their location in the breast. Duct diameters ranged from 1.0 to 4.4 mm at the base of the nipple, with an increase in diameter where ducts branched. While there appeared to be no sacs, or “lactiferous sinuses,” these widened areas under the areola were probably what earlier authors referred to as milk sinuses. They are most likely the first branch of the imaged ducts occurring beneath the areola. Because the breast is not static during lactation, the widened ductal areas would further enlarge during milk let down, giving the impression of the presence of milk sinuses. Enlargement of the ducts also occurred at areas where multiple branches of ductwork merged (Ramsey et al., 2005). Gooding, Finlay, Shipley, Halliwell, and Duck (2010) confirmed the absence of “milk sinuses,” ampullae, or “saclike” features behind the areola. Their 3D ultrasound scanning showed that the widening of a duct in the nipple generally occurred after the first branching point and that there were no structures behind the areola that could be described as lactiferous sinuses. Interesting stuff that gives us a peek into such a fascinating topic!


Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA








 

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

ATOM RSS1 RSS2