Question

Disease Summary Question 7. Briefly describe the proper procedure for breast self-examination. Please provide references in APA format.

Answer 1

Breast self examination

General instructions:

1. Do BSE while in the shower or bath, when the skin is slippery with soap and water.

2. Use pads of second, third and fourth fingers to firmly press every part of the breast

3. While examining the left breast use right hand, and use left hand to examine right breast.

4. Examine the entire breast using circular motions in a spiral or in an up-and-down motion so that the entire breast area is examined.

5.check for any lump, hard knot or thickening of the tissues while doing palpation.

6. While look at a breast in mirror check for changes in,

Shape- Normally one breast will be bigger than other. But it won't occur suddenly.

Skin- Check for rash, redness, puckering, dimpling or orange- peel textured appearance.

Nipples- Check for any sudden physical changes like inversion, scaliness, redness, itching, swelling or discharge.

Vein patterns- Look for any noticeable increase in size or number of veins compared to other breast.

Steps of SBE:

1. Palpation while standing in shower- Using pads of three middle fingers in small circular motions in a spiral or up-and-down motion start to palpate from armpit and move down to just below the bra line. Continue this from collar bone to below bra line until reach the nipple.

2. Look at your breast in a mirror stand with arms at side

3. Look at breast in a mirror Raise the arms overhead

4. Look at breast in a mirror Place the hands on hips and press down firmly, tightening the pectoral muscles.

5. Palpation while lying down: Repeat the step 1 while in lying in supine position. When examining the right breast, place a folded towel under the right shoulder and put right hand behind head. While examining the left breast vice versa.