Breast self-examination

Regular breast self-examination allows us to assess changes in the tissue and, if necessary, refer to a specialist in a timely manner.

Self-examination alone is not enough; screening tests are also necessary, but noticing any changes is an important step.

How to conduct a self-examination?

Self-examination is a complex process that begins with an external visual inspection and also includes a physical examination.

Visual inspection is performed in a mirror, without underwear:

1. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms down. Observe the size, shape, symmetry, skin texture, and condition of both breasts.
2. Raise both arms to a vertical position and observe whether both breasts are symmetrical.
3. Place your hands on your hips, tighten your chest muscles, and observe symmetry in this position.

Physical examination is performed manually. As a rule, it is necessary to perform a manual examination both in the vertical position - standing, and in the horizontal lying position.

Self-examination in the vertical position:

1. After visual inspection in front of the mirror, use your right hand to feel all areas of the left breast, including the armpit and surrounding areas of the chest.
2. Repeat the same with your left hand on your right breast.
3. Using your index, middle, and ring fingers, press the skin on all areas of the breast and observe the density of the tissues – is it the same in all areas, or can you feel any lumps?
4. Use circular movements of your fingers to feel the entire surface of the breast.
5. Using pressure from your fingers, move your hand from the armpit toward the center of the breast.
6. Between your index finger and thumb, feel the nipple and the surrounding tissue, as well as the area under the nipple.
7. We perform all movements on both sides, with the opposite hand.

Self-examination in a horizontal position:

1. Lie on your back, place a pillow under your right shoulder, and extend your right arm behind your head.
2. Using the pads of your left fingers, feel all areas of your right breast with light, moderate, and strong pressure.
3. Make sure to check all areas – including the armpit, the nipple, and the surrounding areola. Use your index finger and thumb to rub the nipple to check for discharge.
4. Repeat the same sequence on the left breast.

What types of lumps can appear in the breast?

Not all lumps found in the breast are cancerous and are not a cause for panic. It is definitely worth paying attention to cases where:

• The node or any focus is immobile relative to the surrounding tissue.
• There is discharge from the vagina.
• There are dimpling, deformities, or areas of skin discoloration on the breast skin
• The direction of the nipples has changed (pointed upwards), or there is some other type of nipple deformation.
• Changes in skin texture (orange peel), ulcers, swelling, asymmetry in size

In such a situation, a breast ultrasound and mammography examination and a visit to a specialist are necessary.

Breast self-examination is not a diagnostic method for breast cancer. Only a specialist, based on information obtained through research, can confirm the final diagnostics.

source

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/3990-breast-self-exam

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge