Question: “What is the name of the décolleté area in men?”

When women come to me for a facial massage, I ask them to free their head, neck and décolleté from clothing and jewelry. Since the massage procedure will involve not only the face, but also the posterior and lateral surfaces of the neck, shoulders and everything below the armpits. When men come, when asked whether they should take off their shirt or T-shirt, out of habit, I mention the “cleavage area” - but every time I think that these words sound somehow... strange. What is the correct name for this area of the body between the neck and the armpit line in men?

A beauty blogger I follow quite often is jeffreestar. His “cleavage area” is gorgeous! ))

“Décolleté area” is a common phrase in cosmetology. Almost all anti-aging (anti-aging) procedures are complete without treating this area. Because, firstly, this area, just like the neck, is visible to others, and secondly, the skin in the décolleté area is very similar in structure and function to the skin in the facial area. Thirdly, if we talk about deep modeling or sculpting, lymphatic drainage massage, working on the face alone will be a pointless exercise. Men, as you know, do not wear a neckline. If you are not Celentano, showing a hairy chest in society is considered not comme il faut.

Adriano Celentano in the film “The Taming of the Shrew”

Cleavage area?

Translated from French, “décolleté” means “with the neck cut off, without the neck.” In Russian, the word “neckline” is a deep cut in women’s clothing, partially revealing the shoulders and/or chest for aesthetic and erotic purposes. The same thing in English: “decolletage”. It is specifically emphasized that “although cleavage styles have varied across Western societies, and cleavage can be seen as aesthetic and an expression of femininity, in some parts of the world any cleavage is considered provocative and shocking. Aesthetically, the neckline is an expression of femininity.” The décolleté area includes, directly, the mammary glands.

Causes

Chest pain due to heart disease

Chest pain is a characteristic symptom of heart disease. It is observed, in particular, when:

coronary heart disease (caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle). The most common form of coronary artery disease is angina pectoris, which manifests itself in the form of discomfort, a feeling of heaviness or compressive pain behind the sternum and to the left of it. An attack of pain is usually provoked by physical activity or emotional stress. The duration of the attack usually ranges from several minutes to half an hour. Relief occurs after taking nitroglycerin. The pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath, radiating to the left arm, under the shoulder blade, and the left half of the lower jaw;
acute myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction is also a form of coronary heart disease that requires immediate medical attention. The pain during myocardial infarction is very intense and has a compressive, pressing or bursting character. It is observed behind the sternum and to the left of it, and can radiate to the left arm, under the shoulder blade, to the left side of the neck and lower jaw. The pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, fear of death, weakness, and cold sweat may appear. The pain lasts more than 15-30 minutes (i.e. longer than during an attack of angina) and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. If you suspect a myocardial infarction, you should immediately call an ambulance;
pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart - the pericardium). In this case, the pain may be constant or intermittent. It is usually localized behind the sternum. The pain increases when lying down, and decreases if you lean forward;
myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). Myocarditis occurs most often as a complication of an infectious disease. With myocarditis, chest pain is combined with fever and shortness of breath;
mitral valve prolapse. In most cases, this disease is asymptomatic, but sometimes there is pain in the left side of the chest, which may be accompanied by a feeling of shortness of breath, a feeling of rapid or slow heartbeat, dizziness and fainting.

Chest pain due to respiratory diseases

Chest pain can occur with diseases such as:

pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane of the lung - pleura). In case of pleurisy, the pain is usually acute and one-sided. Intensifies with deep breaths, laughter, and movement. The pain intensifies when bending to the healthy side. The pain decreases if you lie on the side where it hurts. Chest pain is combined with other symptoms - fever, chills, weakness, cough;
pneumonia (pneumonia). Chest pain with pneumonia is a concomitant symptom that occurs against a background of cough and fever. The pain is usually one-sided - corresponds to the side on which inflammation develops. The nature of the pain is sharp or aching;
bronchitis;
tracheitis;
pulmonary tuberculosis;
lungs' cancer.

Chest pain due to diseases of the digestive tract

Pain in the chest area can be caused by diseases such as:

stomach ulcer. With a stomach ulcer, the pain is usually described as “burning.” It is localized in the epigastric region and can radiate to the left half of the chest. Occurs after eating;
gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus). Acidic or alkaline contents irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing bloating and severe pain in the epigastric region and the left side of the chest. An attack can be triggered by eating too much at night, strong coffee, or alcohol abuse. In addition to chest pain, heartburn and belching may occur;
hiatal hernia. In most cases, the disease is asymptomatic. In some cases, aching or burning pain behind the sternum and in the epigastric region may be observed. Pain usually occurs after eating in a horizontal position. May be accompanied by hiccups, heartburn, belching, and sometimes vomiting (in obese women).

Other Possible Causes of Chest Pain

Chest pain can also be caused by:

osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine. Pain with osteochondrosis can be similar to an angina attack and can radiate to the shoulder blade, arm, or shoulder. Sometimes there is numbness in the hand. Another option for pain with osteochondrosis is lumbago. It is provoked by turns of the body, movement of the arms, prolonged exposure to a lying position (during night sleep);
intercostal neuralgia. In this case, the pain is usually limited to one intercostal space. The nature of the pain is “shooting”;
shingles. The disease is caused by one of the varieties of the herpes virus. The pain is intense, burning. After 7-10 days, blistering rashes appear along the affected nerves;
vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Breast?

After “cleavage,” a synonym immediately comes to mind: “breasts.” This is what is used when it comes to chest hair removal in men (removal of body hair). And if we say “breasts”, then. By analogy with women, this refers to visual landmarks such as nipples. Anatomically, the chest is the space between the neck and the diaphragm.

If in English “chest” is the breast, and “breast” is the mammary gland, then in everyday Russian “breast” can mean both. For example, if you google the phrase “male breasts”, the search engine in the top ten will show the problems of treating gynecomastia (pathological enlargement of the mammary gland in men).

If you didn't like Jeffree Star's photo, feel the mental rehab on this one

By the way, in Western cosmetology, procedures to get rid of gynecomastia take 2nd place in the hit parade “The most popular procedures for men over 40” (1st liposuction, 3rd hair transplant, 4th Botox, 5th blepharoplasty ). Proof: The 5 Hottest Cosmetic Procedures for Men Over 40.

Women's breasts. Breast structure

The female breast is a complex organ, built to provide optimal conditions for performing its main physiological functions: milk production and feeding the baby. The breast consists of skin, under which the gland itself is hidden, as it is also called, glandular tissue - the very organ in which milk is formed. Glandular tissue (gland) is attached by connective tissue to the muscles of the chest. Around the glandular tissue, between its lobes lies fat - adipose tissue.

The amount of fat in a woman's breasts varies widely. Some women's breasts are composed almost exclusively of fat. As a result, their breasts can vary greatly in size as their body weight fluctuates.

Some women have much more glandular tissue than fat, and the size of their breasts is practically independent of diet and weight. If the growth of adipose tissue can be accelerated by abundant nutrition, then the growth of glandular tissue is partially controlled by hormones. This explains why breast size can change during the menstrual cycle or after menopause.

Beneath the mammary gland lies the pectoralis major muscle. The chest is, as it were, attached to this muscle, but in the chest itself, contrary to popular belief, there are no muscles, so it is impossible to increase breast size through exercise. You can tighten the surrounding muscles, but this will only lead to an increase in the volume of the torso and will not affect the size of the breast itself. Of course, it is impossible to tighten sagging breasts through exercise.

There is a common belief that after plastic surgery, the breasts, as a rule, lose reflex responsiveness. Allegedly, during the incision, the nerves are cut, as a result of which the breast loses sensitivity and ceases to be an erogenous (especially sensitive zone). This is not entirely true. The 4th intercostal nerve is responsible for the sensitivity of the nipple and areola. It passes at the level of the axillary line, branches into two parts and, passing along the circumference of the chest, enters the gland tissue.

This nerve is not cut during surgery, however, if the implant is not placed correctly, or if the implant is too large, this nerve can become trapped between the prosthesis and the chest and become pinched. If the 4th intercostal nerve becomes pinched or damaged, the breast may lose sensation. This complication occurs in 21% of women. However, first-class specialists should not have such defects.

It would be wrong if scientists remained aloof from such an important issue as the correct volume and shape of the female breast. The average parameters of the “ideal” breast were calculated through long measurements of classical and modern sculptures and live models. The basis was a woman 162 cm tall, aged 17–18 years. After much debate, most authors accepted the following dimensions: the diameter of the areola averages 3.7 cm (37 mm) and varies from 3.5 to 4.5 cm. The distance between the collarbone and the nipple averages 21 cm. The distance from the inframammary fold to the nipple is approximately 7 cm.

However, when analyzing the real state of affairs, one can see how far we are from ideals and how contradictory the tastes of various authors regarding the size and volume of the mammary glands are. Some researchers suggest that the volume of a woman's breasts be considered optimal as 275 cubic centimeters (size C), and larger volumes are considered hypertrophy, i.e. increase relative to the average norm. However, in the search for the ideal, it is necessary to take into account such body features as height, weight, and figure features. For example, fragile women with a height of 152 - 177 cm and a weight of 45 - 54 kg look harmoniously developed, having a chest volume of 150 - 200 cubic meters. cm (size B).

In fact, the ideal shape and size of a woman's breasts are determined in accordance with racial and, in many ways, individual, social and aesthetic ideas. And, sometimes, it is completely incomprehensible why some women deliberately choose disproportion and achieve success.

There are contraindications. Read the instructions or consult a specialist.

Upper shoulder girdle?

The shoulder girdle (girdle of the upper limbs) in humans is a collection of bones (pairs of shoulder blades and collarbones) and muscles that provide support and movement of the upper (front) limbs. The bones of the shoulder girdle are connected by the acromioclavicular joints. The shoulder girdle is connected to the chest through the sternoclavicular joints and the muscles that hold the scapula, and to the free upper limb through the shoulder joints. In my opinion, this is the most gender-neutral description.

What do you think?

Possible nature of chest pain - what you should pay attention to

Chest pain can be aching, stabbing, shooting, squeezing, burning. In some cases it can be acute, intense, even intolerable.

It is important where exactly the pain is localized. Usually the pain can be quite clearly localized as follows:

in one half of the chest - right or left. Sometimes the localization of pain can be more specific, for example, in the ribs;
behind the sternum. Pain behind the sternum, especially when it hurts both behind the sternum and to the left of it, is characteristic of heart disease;
just below the sternum (in the epigastric region). Such pain is typical for diseases of the digestive tract (stomach or esophagus).

Chest pain without a clear localization may indicate lung cancer or tuberculosis.

Chest pain may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

shortness of breath, difficulty breathing;
cough, increased body temperature;
weakness, cold sweat;
belching, heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
changes in blood pressure.

The distribution of pain is also important for diagnosis. The pain may radiate to the arm. This type of pain is observed with myocardial infarction and osteochondrosis.

What tests may be needed for chest pain?

If you complain of chest pain, the following may be prescribed to diagnose the disease:

chest x-ray;
computed tomography (MSCT chest);
ECG;
Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG monitoring);

stress tests (treadmill test);

general blood test (allows you to determine the presence of inflammation);
gastroscopy (if diseases of the esophagus or stomach are suspected).

Breast cancer: 9 signs that should alert you

05.10.2021

The insidiousness of breast cancer lies in the fact that in the first stages the disease is usually asymptomatic, and very often women turn to the doctor when it is almost impossible to help. But if cancer at an early stage, the chance of recovery is almost 100%. To prevent a tragedy, it is necessary to conduct a self-check once a month for the presence of a tumor in the chest .

What to look for during a breast exam : Milk lobules feel like soft peas, lymph nodes feel like soft beans, and cancerous tumors often feel hard, immobile, and look like lemon seeds.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer can be very different. They depend on the type of tumor, its size and location. Lumps and lumps are not necessarily a symptom of cancer , although they are quite common. Among the symptoms that should also alert you: fluid discharge from the nipple, its retraction, enlarged veins , changes in the skin around the nipple - peeling, redness; change in the shape of the mammary gland , the appearance of asymmetry that did not exist before.

Feeling a lump You may notice a lump in your chest . This may be a normal part of menstruation or breastfeeding. However, a breast that doesn't go away or gets bigger can also be a sign of breast cancer. The lump may be in the skin (a sign of inflammation) or deeper in the breast . It occurs when cancer cells block blood circulation to the breast (through the blood or lymphatic vessels ) or a tumor grows near the surface of the skin. Note: Lumps should not be confused with “breast density,” which can only be determined through a mammogram exam.
Indentation If the indentation in your chest does not go away, it may be a sign of cancer . This symptom occurs when a tumor (lump) deep in the breast pulls the skin inward, causing an indentation. The hole is easier to notice when you raise your arms up.
A crusty nipple A crusty nipple can be a harmless skin condition or a sign of breast cancer, or Paget's disease. This occurs when cancer cells develop inside the breast and live in the nipple, creating a red or white crusty surface. It may be painful and not go away.
Redness, burning This type of cancer blocks the flow of lymph in the breast , causing swelling and redness, but without an obvious hard lump. The skin of the breast may also be pink, reddish-purple, or blue-tinged. This symptom may be difficult to see on a mammogram. Inflammatory breast cancer is so aggressive that it can progress quickly. If antibiotics do not eliminate symptoms, it is better to consult a specialist.
Unexpected discharge Discharge from the nipple is common and in most cases it is harmless (benign). It is usually associated with infection, pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if fluid is leaking from the breast for other reasons, you should see a doctor , especially if it is clear or contains blood .
Ulcers . Cancer can sometimes destroy the skin of the breast , creating an open wound. The infection may cause a foul odor and/or discharge.
Bulging veins . This symptom is rare. It is most often associated with weight gain, breastfeeding, or Mondor's disease. However, if veins become more prominent on the skin, chest , or collarbone, this could be a sign of cancer . Note. "Swelling veins" are one of the least described symptoms breast cancer , usually classified under the general category of "other atypical changes" or "skin changes". Still, enlarged veins may indicate blockage of blood vessels due to tumor growth.
Change in size or shape. Usually one breast is different in size and shape from the other. Breastfeeding may also cause changes in the size or shape of the breasts . But if one breast changes size and becomes swollen, and it's not related to your menstrual cycle, it could be a sign of cancer .
Solid tumor. The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump that is located deep in the breast . It feels hard, like a lemon seed, and is usually immobile. It is not always easy to detect. A mammogram can detect a lump long before you feel it.

Most lumps turn out to be harmless, such as a fluid-filled cyst or fibroadenoma. But if you notice a hard lump (or any change) that won't come or go away, don't ignore it. The earlier cancer , the easier it is to treat . If you notice any suspicious symptoms, consult your doctor .

Published in Oncology Premium Clinic

Which doctor should I contact for chest pain?

If you have chest pain, you should first consult a general practitioner - family doctor or therapist. It is he (and not the patient himself) who should draw up the examination plan. Your GP can refer you to:

to a cardiologist - if there is reason to believe that the pain is caused by heart disease (localized behind the sternum and to the left of it, relieved with nitroglycerin, accompanied by shortness of breath, etc.);
see a pulmonologist if you suspect pneumonia or pleurisy (if pain is accompanied by cough and fever);
to a gastroenterologist - if you suspect diseases of the esophagus and stomach (if the pain is accompanied by belching, heartburn, or occurs after eating);
see a neurologist in case of “shooting” pain.