LUMP DETECTION IS ENHANCED IN SILICONE BREAST MODELS SIMULATING POSTMENOPAUSAL BREAST-TISSUE

We varied the softness and nodularity of silicone breast models to ass ess the effects of age-related breast tissue characteristics on lump d etection. In two sets of six silicone breast models manufactured to si mulate premenopausal and postmenopausal breast tissue, respectively, 8 2 internal medicine attending and housestaff physicians more readily d etected lumps among models simulating older breast tissue. The proport ion of models with one or more false-positive findings was higher amon g models simulating postmenopausal breast tissue. We conclude that age -related changes in breast tissue most likely contribute to the higher sensitivity of clinical breast examination in older women.