During a routine physical examination, a firm mass is palpated in the right breast of a 35-year-old woman. Which of the following findings or client history would suggest cancer of the breast as opposed to fibrocystic disease?
A. Increased vascularity of the breast
B. History of anovulatory cycles
C. Cyclic changes in mass size
D. History of early menarche
Correct Answer: A. Increased vascularity of the breast
Option A: An increase in breast size or vascularity indicates the growth of a tumor and is consistent with cancer of the breast.
Options B, C, and D: Early menarche, as well as late menopause or a history of anovulatory cycles, are associated with fibrocystic disease. Masses associated with fibrocystic disease of the breast are firm, most often located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, and increase in size prior to menstruation. They may be bilateral in a mirror image and are typically well-demarcated and freely moveable.