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How To Perform A Breast Exam On A Patient. Touch check the outer half of your right breast. Perform the test monthly. Begin palpation on the asymptomatic breast first and then repeat all examination steps on the contralateral breast. How to perform a breast self exam start by standing topless in front of a mirror with your hands at your sides.
With the patient seated on the exam table ask them to lower the gown to their waist. Visually inspect your breasts for the following. Visually inspect the breast tissue while the patient remains still. It is important to conclude the breast exam with a thorough examination of the axillary lymph nodes to check for any metastatic lesions when breast cancer is suspected. Adjust the head of the bed to 45 and ask the patient to lie down. Assess for redness scaly skin visible lumps spontaneous discharge moles inverted nipples and dimpling.
Ultrasound is often the first or only imaging test used to evaluate a lump in women who are under age 30 or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Changes in size shape or symmetry. In patients with large or pendulous breasts it may be necessary to use manouevres to flatten the breast tissue against the chest wall to optimise the examination. Begin palpation on the asymptomatic breast first and then repeat all examination steps on the contralateral breast. This is when your breasts are least tender and lumpy. To perform a breast self exam for breast awareness use a methodical approach that ensures you cover your entire breast. How to do a breast self exam part 1.