Self-examination for lumps on both sides of the breast

Breast tenderness may occur during ovulation or before menstruation. This is normal. If there are no other conditions and it is just short-term bloating and pain, it should not be a big problem. If the swelling and pain lasts too long, a breast transillumination test should be done to confirm the diagnosis and then treat the symptoms. You can first check your breasts according to the following methods, which I will introduce to you below.

The steps for self-examination of lumps on both sides of the breast are as follows:

1. Face the mirror, let your hands hang down, and carefully check whether the sizes of the two breasts are the same (but you must understand that normal women often have different breast sizes), whether the curves of the two breasts are symmetrical, whether the skin is sunken, whether the nipples are flattened, widened or sunken, whether the epidermis is broken or ulcerated, whether there is secretion when lightly pressing the nipples, and feel whether there are swollen lymph nodes in the armpits on both sides. Then raise your hands and face the mirror to do the same examination.

2. Then sit down, let your left hand hang naturally, stretch your right fingers flat on the outside of your left breast, and gently press from top to bottom (you can dip in soapy water or other lubricants to increase the sensitivity of the examination), or slide your fingertips across the breast and check it carefully. Then examine the right breast in the same way. Then, still sitting, raise your left hand to the back of your head, and stretch your right fingers flat on the inside of your left breast, gently pressing from top to bottom, or slide your fingertips across the breast to check.

3. Lie down and check the left breast with your left hand bent under your head and a small pillow placed under your left shoulder to raise it. Stretch out the fingers of your right hand and place them on the inside of the left breast. Gently press and check from top to bottom, or check in a clockwise direction from the outside to the inside in circles, at least three times, finally covering the nipple, and then check the right breast in the same way. Then place your left hand flat on the side of your body, and use the fingers of your right hand to check the outside of your left breast, gently pressing from top to bottom, and check your right breast in the same way. As for the axillary examination, you should raise your arm on the same side and gently touch the armpit with your fingers to see if you can feel any lymph nodes.

4. When bathing, moist skin helps hands to glide. Move your fingers flat and slowly over each part of the breast, paying special attention to any lumps, hardening, or thickening.

5. Self-examination should be done about one week after each menstrual period. Women who have menopause should check once on the first day of each month. If you find any of the abnormal symptoms mentioned above, you should see a specialist as soon as possible for a more detailed examination to determine whether it is benign or malignant.

Lumps on both sides of the breast may be caused by breast pain due to hormonal changes caused by the upcoming menstruation. Therefore, you don’t need to worry. Also, just be careful not to eat cold food in the near future and make sure you get enough rest, and there will be no problem. In daily life, pay attention to preventing yourself from getting angry and maintain a good attitude.