Breast self-examination is best performed when the hormone stimulation of the
breast is the least. This typically occurs 7-10 days after the start of a
menstrual cycle (or three days after a period). At that point, the fluid
retention of the breast and the cellular proliferation are the least. An ideal
setting in which to conduct the exam is the bath or shower. First, with the hand
and breast wet with soap, begin with the fingers flat together and work sweeping
from the outer part to the center of the breast. It helps to mentally divide the
area to be examined into quadrants and work around the quadrants sequentially.
The upper outer quadrant should be mentally extended into the armpit along the
chest wall. This area should be carefully included in the examination. Second,
the process is repeated in the same sequence with the fingers moving in a
fluttering motion. These different motions, flat fingered stroking and
fluttering fingertips, allow detection of somewhat different tissue
abnormalities. This examination by feeling the breast (palpation) should be
accompanied by a brief visual exam. With the arms at the side looking in a
mirror, note the symmetry. Then raise the arms slowly overhead, checking for any
areas of pulling in of the skin or visible lumps or distortion. The entire
examination process can be done in a few minutes time.
Any detected change from the usual appearance or feel should be reported to the
doctor. If there are any areas of concern that can be felt (palpable) and the
mammogram does not show an abnormality, then a specialized breast ultrasound can
be extremely helpful.
For women who are concerned that they have lumpy breasts and can't make any
sense of their exam, it is best to do a careful exam after a physician's
examination. This serves as the baseline for normal "lumps." The exam should be
repeated several days in a row so that the findings are clearly recalled.
Subsequently, if a new or progressive change develops, it is much more likely to
be detected. The aim is to maintain an appropriate degree of alertness without
creating continuous anxiety. Do the exam and put it aside mentally until the
next time.
Source :
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10155
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