SELF-EXAMINATION
Even though a large number of women develop non-cancerous breast lumps, which usually subside after a menstrual cycle or present with a normal pattern of lumpiness, changes in the breast morphology must be monitored.
Every woman after the age of 18 must perform monthly breast self-examination. This way a woman has the opportunity to learn the normal anatomy of her breasts which could be helpful to detect any changes early. Self-examination is best done during the first week after menstruation (usually after 4-6 days) while for postmenopausal women which do not present cyclical changes of the breast the self-examination can be done on any day of the month.
For a thorough the self-examination process seven simple steps can be followed:
1. Standing undressed in front of a mirror observe both breasts for changes on the skin or the nipple
2. Razing the arms above the head gives a better view of the part of the part leading to the axilla
3. During the up and down movement of the arms both nipples must cover the same distance of movement
4. Contracting the muscles under the breasts by pressing the arms on the hips can help to detect unusual skin dimpling
5. Leaning forwards check for any changes in the outline of the breast or unusual puckering
6. Examine each breast with an open palm using the middle three fingers. Mentally divide the breast into spirals or quarters and palpate the whole breast as well as the arm pit and the top of the collarbone
7. Squeeze the nipples one by one between the thumpb and forefinger to detect any puckering or retraction
Even though a large number of women develop non-cancerous breast lumps, which usually subside after a menstrual cycle or present with a normal pattern of lumpiness, changes in the breast morphology must be monitored.
Every woman after the age of 18 must perform monthly breast self-examination. This way a woman has the opportunity to learn the normal anatomy of her breasts which could be helpful to detect any changes early. Self-examination is best done during the first week after menstruation (usually after 4-6 days) while for postmenopausal women which do not present cyclical changes of the breast the self-examination can be done on any day of the month.
For a thorough the self-examination process seven simple steps can be followed:
1. Standing undressed in front of a mirror observe both breasts for changes on the skin or the nipple
2. Razing the arms above the head gives a better view of the part of the part leading to the axilla
3. During the up and down movement of the arms both nipples must cover the same distance of movement
4. Contracting the muscles under the breasts by pressing the arms on the hips can help to detect unusual skin dimpling
5. Leaning forwards check for any changes in the outline of the breast or unusual puckering
6. Examine each breast with an open palm using the middle three fingers. Mentally divide the breast into spirals or quarters and palpate the whole breast as well as the arm pit and the top of the collarbone
7. Squeeze the nipples one by one between the thumpb and forefinger to detect any puckering or retraction
DOCTOR EXAMINATION
It is important to keep an yearly appointment with a clinician who is more qualified to detect a lump during palpation. This examination is usually combined with the yearly PAP test by a GP even though a specialist breast surgeon can give a more decisive diagnoses if a lump or any other abnormalities are present.
It is important to keep an yearly appointment with a clinician who is more qualified to detect a lump during palpation. This examination is usually combined with the yearly PAP test by a GP even though a specialist breast surgeon can give a more decisive diagnoses if a lump or any other abnormalities are present.