Doctors examine breasts through a physical examination that includes visual inspection and palpation (touch). Here's a more detailed look at the process:
Visual Inspection
During the visual inspection, the doctor observes the following aspects of the breasts:
- Overall Size and Shape: Doctors look for any unusual changes in the size or shape of each breast. They also check for symmetry between the two breasts.
- Nipple Examination: This includes assessment of the size, shape, texture, and color of the nipples. Doctors also check for any nipple discharge or inversion.
- Skin Changes: The doctor looks for any changes in the skin, such as redness, rashes, dimpling, or puckering.
To better visualize these elements, the patient is instructed to place their hands on their hips as well as raise them above their head. This allows the examiner to assess the breasts in multiple positions.
Palpation (Physical Touch)
Palpation is a key part of the breast exam. The doctor uses their fingertips to feel the breast tissue for any abnormalities, such as lumps, masses, or thickened areas. This is typically done in a systematic manner, covering all areas of the breast including the nipple, areola, and tail of Spence.
Here's a breakdown of the palpation technique:
- Position: The patient may be asked to lie down or sit with one arm raised.
- Technique: The doctor uses the pads of their fingers to gently press against the breast tissue, using varying degrees of pressure.
- Coverage: The entire breast, from the collarbone to the underarm and from the sternum to the mid-axillary line, is examined.
- Lymph Nodes: The doctor also palpates the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes) and around the collarbone, as these may be affected by breast conditions.
Summary
In summary, doctors examine breasts by a combination of visual inspection and physical palpation. They observe the breast shape, size, symmetry, and the skin and nipple characteristics. Palpation involves systematically feeling the breast tissue for any lumps or abnormalities, including the surrounding lymph nodes. These techniques are used to identify potential signs of breast cancer or other breast-related conditions. The information about hand positioning is used to enable a comprehensive assessment and is a necessary part of a thorough breast exam.
