BREAST SELF EXAMINATION

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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BREAST STRUCTURE

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Breast Self Exam

Detects the majority of breast abnormalities Potentially life-saving Monthly exam, at end of menses Start in front of mirror

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Inspect for:
Skin changes Redness Visible bumps Nipple crusting Symmetry

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Raise Arms Up
Breasts should rise evenly Watch for dimpling or retraction

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Feel for Lumps

Raise the arm Feel with opposite hand Feel for a marble in a bag of rice

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Use the Middle of Your Fingers

Fingertips are too sensitive (all breasts are somewhat lumpy) Palm is too insensitive Middle portion of fingers is just right

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Move your hand in small circles

Stay in one place Press in while circling with your hand Feel for thickenings the size of a marble

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Then move to another location

Work your way around the breast in a clockwise fashion, using small circles of the hand as you go. Make sure the entire breast is felt.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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The Tail of the Breast

Breast is not perfectly round. A Tail of breast tissue normally extends into the armpit. Make sure to feel for lumps in that portion of the breast.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Feel the Armpit

Use the same circular motions. Feel for breast lumps and lymph nodes. Normal lymph nodes cannot be felt. Enlarged lymph nodes are about the size of a pencil eraser, but longer and thinner.
Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000 Slide 11

Try to Express Nipple Discharge

Strip the ducts towards the nipple. Normally, one or two drops of clear, milky or green-tinged secretions. Should not be bloody or in large quantity, squirting out or staining the inside of a bra.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Now Check the Other Side

Follow same maneuvers. Raise the arm above your head. Feel for lumps or masses.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Have a Professional Breast Exam Each Year

Basically the same maneuvers Ask questions

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Mammograms
Age 40-50: Every other year Over Age 50: Annually Might be more often in special circumstances such as breast problems, family history of breast cancer.
Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000 Slide 15

If you find something in your breast...

Dont panic. Most (90%) of breast lumps are benign. Do see a physician or other qualified health care provider right away.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 2000

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