BREAST EXAMINATION IN FIVE STEPS

 Warning: The following are a few illustrations on Breast examination. These were not meant to offend anyone. I apologise or (not since this is an all around anatomy blog) if any offense is given/taken.

When is the last time you did a self-examination of your breasts? You know your body best, and you will be the first to notice a change. Don’t allow fear to stop you from regularly following these five steps in breast examination. A little tip for the men: many men are taking the initiative of learning to examine breasts too. You love them, so look after them- ladies and your own!

Photo credit: play.google.com

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look out for; breasts that are usual size, shape, and color. Breast that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling. If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention: Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin. A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out) redness, soreness, rash or swelling.

Step 2: Now raise your arms and look for the similar changes previously mentioned

Step 3: While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples ( this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood)

Step 4: Afterward, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be certain that you go through the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer limits of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows as if you were mowing a lawn. This up and down method seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from anterior to the posterior of your breast: for skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breast; use firm pressure for deep tissue in the back. When you access the deep tissue, you’ll be able to feel down your ribcage.

Step 5: Lastly, feel your breast while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breast is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Go through your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in  step 4.

In conclusion, learn to check your breast every month at the same time in your monthly cycle. If you spot any changes, while examining using these 5 steps. You will need to see your clinical anatomist as soon as possible.