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Unit of study_
SURG5037: Basic Sciences and Benign Breast Disease
2025 unit information
Breast surgery requires comprehensive knowledge of the basic sciences of the breast and also the various elements of benign breast diseases. This unit of study aims to prepare candidates for a career in breast surgery. The unit focuses on: 1. the anatomy of the breast, axilla and donor sites for reconstruction flaps 2. anatomical variations and physiological changes in the breast and axilla 3. benign breast diseases including mastitis, mastalgia, nipple discharge and aberrations of normal development and involution (ANDI) 4. current radiological modalities in breast disease imaging and risk assessment for patients 5. genetic and non-genetic risk assessment for patients 6. the importance of oestrogen and HER 2 receptors in breast cancer.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Surgery |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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This unit is designed as the first part of a curriculum for contemporary breast surgery for Post Fellowship Trainees and assumes practical skills training is obtained on the BreastSurgANZ PFT Program (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed general or plastic surgical training and have a strong interest in breast surgery |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate the basics of anatomy and physiology of the breast and the impact of the female reproductive hormonal cycle on the breast
- LO2. appraise the complexity of surgical and multidisciplinary management of benign breast disease and patients at high risk for breast cancer
- LO3. assess the strengths and weaknesses of breast imaging - its strengths and weaknesses
- LO4. critically evaluate the literature on sentinel node biopsy and breast localisation techniques
- LO5. explain the genetic, hormonal and environmental factors influencing breast cancer risk
- LO6. explain the role of Oestrogen, Progesterone and Her2 receptors in breast cancer phenotyping and treatment
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
