NORMAL CUTANEOUS SENSIBILITY OF THE BREAST

A to tal of 150 healthy women were studied to determine normal values for breast sensibility and to investigate the influence of breast size and ptosis on breast sensation. Cutaneous pressure thresholds were ev aluated bilaterally in six areas including the nipple, the areola, and the skin of the breast using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. We f ound that the skin of the superior quadrant was the most sensitive par t of the breast, the areola was less sensitive, and the nipple was the least sensitive part. The cutaneous sensibility of all tested areas d ecreased significantly with increasing breast size and increasing brea st ptosis. The nipple was less sensitive in women who had a previous p regnancy. Age, smoking history, or hormonal contraception had no signi ficant influence on breast sensation. The study shows that the Semmes- Weinstein test is an adequate method for assessing sensation in the br east.