Why is this procedure done?
A breast self-exam looks for lumps or changes in your breast. It is good to do this exam 3 to 5 days after your period ends. This is when your breasts are less swollen or tender. If you do not have periods, try to do the exam on the same day every month. Some people choose the first of the month to help them remember. ‚
What will the results be?
You will be aware of any changes in your breast. You are feeling for pain or lumps. You are looking to see if there are changes like: ‚
- Swelling
- Dimpling
- Redness
- Scaly nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge
What happens during the procedure?
Standing Exam ‚
- Stand in front of a mirror so that you can see both of your breasts clearly. Check each breast for anything unusual. Look for a discharge from the nipples.
- Watch closely in the mirror. Put your hands behind your head and press your elbows forward. Check if there is any change in the shape of your breasts.
- Press your hands firmly on your hips and bend slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward. Check if there is any change in the shape of your breasts.
- Gently press each nipple and look for discharge.
- Raise your right arm. Use the pads of the fingers of your left hand to check the right breast and the area around it. You may use lotion or powder to help your fingers glide easily over the skin. Feel for any lump or mass under the skin.
- Feel the tissue by pressing your fingers in small overlapping areas the size of a dime. Be sure to cover your whole breast. Take your time. Follow a definite pattern, such as vertical lines, a continuous circle, or a wedge pattern.
- Check the upper and outer part of the right breast and the right armpit as well.
- Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of your right hand.
Lying Down Exam ‚
- Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
- Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in your right breast.
- Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.
- Move around the breast in a continuous circle, vertical lines, or a wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way each month. Check the entire breast.
- Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of your right hand.
The whole procedure will take about 10 to 20 minutes. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Call your doctor if you notice any unusual lumps or changes in your breast. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/For_Patients/Search_FAQs/documents/The_Breast_Self-Exam ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚