How Do Men Check Their Breasts?
Men can check their breasts for lumps or changes using a simple, two-part process: visual and tactile examination. While rare, breast cancer can affect men, making regular self-exams important.
First, visually inspect your chest area. Look for any changes in:
- Size: Has one breast become noticeably larger or smaller than the other?
- Shape: Are there any unusual dimpling, puckering, or changes in the overall shape of your breast or nipple?
- Skin texture: Look for any redness, swelling, or skin changes like puckering or dimpling.
- Nipple: Note any changes in the nipple's appearance, such as inversion (turning inward), discharge, or scaling.
Tactile Examination
Next, perform a tactile examination:
- Lay your fingers flat against your breast: Use the pads of your fingers, not just your fingertips.
- Apply gentle pressure: Systematically move your fingers in small circles across your entire breast area.
- Cover the entire area: Start in the middle of your armpit, making circles going up and down the breast area, and continue towards your breast and across it. Examine the area from your armpit all the way over to the middle of your chest (breastbone). Don't forget to check the area around your nipple.
- Check for lumps: Feel for any unusual lumps, bumps, or thickening in the breast tissue. Note their size, shape, and consistency.
Important Considerations:
- Consistency is key: Regular self-exams are crucial for early detection. The best time to perform a self-exam is after a shower when your skin is clean and wet making it easier to palpate your breast tissue.
- Consult a doctor: If you find anything unusual, like a lump or any other concerning changes, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. A doctor will perform a thorough examination and may order additional tests to determine the cause.
While this information is for educational purposes, it is crucial to consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
