Final answer:
In a breast exam, enlarged lymph nodes suggesting breast cancer are commonly found in the axillary region including the pectoral, lateral, and subscapular nodes. Other affected regions can include the supraclavicular and infraclavicular areas. Detecting these can lead to early diagnosis and better outcomes, illustrated by the case of Wei's lymphoma diagnosis following a lymph node biopsy.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a breast exam, an examiner would expect enlarged lymph nodes in specific regions associated with breast cancer. These lymph nodes are located primarily in the axillary region (underarm area), which includes the pectoral (breast area), lateral (side), and subscapular (under the shoulder blade) nodes. Other areas where enlarged nodes may be found include the supraclavicular (above the collarbone) and infraclavicular (below the collarbone) regions. An enlargement in these nodes can suggest metastasis, where cancer cells have spread from the original tumor site in the breast to the lymphatic system. Regular breast self-exams are recommended as they can help to detect changes early, potentially leading to a better prognosis if cancer is present.
In Wei's case, persistent swollen lymph nodes were a symptom that led to further investigation and diagnosis of lymphoma. A lymph node biopsy is typically conducted to confirm the presence of cancer cells when lymphoma is suspected.