What are breast examinations?

Breast examination includes many items. If you only do one test, the result will be too one-sided. It will not be possible to diagnose the disease in your body. Moreover, many people always forget the lymph node examination and systemic examination after completing the corresponding breast examination. These two examinations are also very critical and can prevent misdiagnosis.

The breast shape, the condition of the breast skin surface, the condition of the nipple and areola, breast lumps, nipple discharge, etc. are mainly checked through visual examination and palpation. Finally, do not forget the regional lymph node examination and systemic examination.

(1) Breast morphology: Check whether the appearance, size and position of the breasts are symmetrical.

(2) Condition of the breast skin surface: Check the color of the breast skin and the presence of edema, rash, ulceration, superficial vein engorgement, skin wrinkles, and orange peel-like changes.

(3) Condition of the nipple and areola: Check whether the nipple is deformed, elevated, retracted, sunken, eroded or desquamated; check whether the areola has abnormal color or eczema-like changes.

(4) Breast lumps: The location, shape, size, number, texture, surface smoothness, mobility, and tenderness of the breast lumps need to be examined. The examination is mainly done by palpation. Generally speaking, multiple lumps on both sides accompanied by cyclical mastalgia are more likely to be benign lesions, while single unilateral painless lumps may be malignant lesions.

(5) Nipple discharge: Check whether there is any nipple discharge, and check in detail whether it is spontaneous discharge or after squeezing, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, and the nature of the discharge.

(6) Regional lymph node status and general condition: Since breast cancer is prone to metastasis to the axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes, physical examination of the breast should routinely check the size, texture, and mobility of the lymph nodes in the above areas.

Inspection method: With the upper body completely naked, stand upright in front of a mirror, raise both hands and then put them down to compare and observe the breasts on both sides to see if they are symmetrical, if there are any changes in size, if there are any swelling, bulges or sunken areas, if there are any changes in skin color, if there are any ulcers, and if the breasts on both sides are on the same level.

When checking, put your fingers together and touch the breast with the fingertips. Choose light, medium, or heavy strength for palpation. Remember not to pinch or grab the breast with your hands. Generally, use your left hand to check the right breast and your right hand to check the left breast. When checking the axillary lymph nodes, keep your hands at a flat angle. Do not lift or grab the axillary tissue or skin. If you find any abnormalities, you should seek medical attention in time.