Breast exam

Breast Exam

A breast exam is a clinical procedure performed by healthcare professionals to assess the health of the breast tissue. It is an essential component of routine physical examinations and is crucial for the early detection of breast cancer and other breast-related conditions.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a breast exam is to identify any abnormalities in the breast tissue that may indicate the presence of breast cancer, benign breast disease, or other conditions. Early detection through regular breast exams can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Types of Breast Exams

There are several types of breast exams, each serving a specific purpose:

Self-Examination

A breast self-exam is a method that individuals can perform on themselves to check for lumps, changes, or abnormalities in their breast tissue. It is recommended that women perform self-exams monthly to become familiar with the normal state of their breasts.

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, during a routine check-up. The clinician will visually and manually inspect the breasts for any signs of abnormality, such as lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge.

Mammography

Mammography is an imaging technique that uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breast tissue. It is a crucial tool for the early detection of breast cancer, especially in women over the age of 40.

Procedure

During a clinical breast exam, the healthcare provider will:

1. Inspect the Breasts Visually: The patient will be asked to sit or stand with their arms at their sides, raised above their head, and pressed against their hips. The clinician will look for any visible changes in size, shape, or symmetry.

2. Palpate the Breasts: The clinician will use the pads of their fingers to gently palpate the entire breast, including the armpit area, in a systematic pattern. They will check for lumps, thickening, or any unusual texture.

3. Examine the Nipples: The nipples will be checked for any discharge, inversion, or other abnormalities.

Importance of Regular Exams

Regular breast exams are vital for early detection of breast cancer. Women are encouraged to have clinical breast exams every 1 to 3 years starting in their 20s and annually after age 40, in conjunction with mammograms.

Also see

• Breast cancer
• Mammography
• Breast self-exam
• Benign breast disease