Benign breast disease in the postmenopausal woman.

Breast symptoms are surprisingly common in the postmenopausal period, especially (but not only) when taking hormonal therapy. All of the common conditions of the premenopausal period may be seen. Clinical examination is usually easier and more precise in the postmenopausal woman. The importance of accurate clinical observation is stressed, as a diagnosis can usually be made in this way, supplemented by mammography and aspiration cytology where reliable services exist.