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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more| .
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The breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue and glandular tissue that contains lobes. These are shown in the diagram below. The lobes are where breast milk is produced. A network of milk ducts connects the lobes to the nipple.
The female breasts
A woman's breasts are rarely the same size as each other, and may feel different at different times of the menstrual cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy just before a period.
Under the skin, an area of breast tissue extends into the armpit (axilla).
The armpits also contain a collection of lymph glands (lymph nodes), which are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of lymph glands throughout the body that are connected by tiny vessels called lymph vessels.
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