There are two types of breast examination: breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE). Women should perform the first once a month; the second will be performed either because something was discovered in the BSE, or as part of a regular physical check-up.
All women should know perform BSE, when to see the doctor if you find irregularities, and what to expect in the CBE. Regular breast examinations are an important part of good health care.
Breast Self Exam
The best time to perform BSE is 10 to 12 days after your period has ended, when your breasts are no longer tender or swollen from fluctuating hormone levels.
When you perform BSE, you are feeling for any lumps or masses that may be present as well as any places that feel sore or tender to the touch, and looking for any physical changes in the breast.
Begin the exam in the shower, when your skin is wet and slippery. Your fingers will glide over the skin, making it easier to push on the breast.
Pick a side to start on, and raise that arm over your head. Picture your breast as an analog clock face, one that still uses hands, and start at the 12 o'clock position at the top of the breast. Using the second, third and fourth fingers, place them against the breast. Lift the fingertips slightly off the breast, as you want the middle of your fingers, not your fingertips, to be touching your breast. Rub that area gently in a circular motion.
Now, decide if you are going to work in an up-and-down pattern or in a circle; both work equally well. Depending on which method you've chosen, either move your fingers down or over about one-fourth to one-half inch, and repeat the rubbing in a circular motion.
Continue until you have covered the entire breast, then gently squeeze the nipple. Look for any discharge. Then feel under your armpit, starting in the hollow, and moving down until you feel the curve of your breast.
Change sides, and perform the same procedure on the other breast.
Stand in front of the mirror, raise your arms above your head, and look for any dimpling of the skin, lumps or anything unusual with the breast and nipple. For example, if you normally have a visible nipple, and it appears to have turned in a little or is not visible at all, you would want to note that.
Lie down on the bed, as flat as you can, and perform the same procedure that you did standing in the shower. Don't forget to examine under your arms.
Knowing When to Go to the Doctor
Once you have performed BSE a few times, you will know what your breasts normally feel and look like. If you see or feel something unusual in a regular BSE, and you have not made any changes or done anything to cause the irregularity -- changed birth control methods or injured the breast, for instance -- then you should make an appointment. If you have even a slight concern, make the appointment. It is better to err to the side of caution.
Clinicial Breast Exam
The CBE will be done when the breasts are dry, first while you are sitting up, then while you are lying down. In addition, the examiner will have you place your hands on your hips, and push in, so that she can check for any irregularities in the underlying muscle.
It is best not to wear deodorant, powder, or lotion on the exam day, as these can alter your skin's texture. The breasts and underarms should be clean and dry.
Wear comfortable clothing that you can remove easily.
Inform the examiner of any irregularities you have noticed, so those can be addressed first.
Tags: your breast, Breast Exam, breast examination, circular motion, make appointment, perform same
