It is the assessment of the breasts by a doctor or health professional, and is performed as part of a routine gynecological exam to detect abnormalities, masses or lumps in the breast. The doctor will evaluate the appearance, size and texture of the skin. Next, feel your breasts with your fingertips to analyze the texture of the same, to determine whether lumps or cysts (if any, if hurt, if they are firm, if they can move).
Palpate first one breast and then another, and also review the nipples (to see if they have a runny or liquid) and the armpit area (to see if there is an increase in the size of lymph nodes). This is a good time to let you know how to perform self-examination yourself at home, to discuss your risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
The self: how to do
Similar to clinical examination, but you realize it you in the comfort of your home. You should routinely do after 20 years is recommended once a month. Choose a time of the month in which the breasts are not swollen, a week or two after your period. If you have stopped menstruating, you can choose any day of the month, but it will be easier if you establish a routine, for example, the first week of each month, or every 3 months. So you do not forget. Long ago it was thought best done standing, but at present, part of the review should make lying to spread breast tissue evenly over the chest. There are three basic positions for a complete and thorough examination of the breasts (although remember that BSE does not replace the professional examination and mammography)
LYING:
- Sleep with a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder.
- Bend the right arm and place it under the head
- With your left hand, feel your right breast using the pads of three fingers (index, middle and ring) for lumps or masses.
Go instead changing fingers like you’re giving a massage from top to bottom
- Press each breast area making small circular movements and exercising three types of pressure. The lightest and soft tissue analysis closer to the skin. Medium pressure, it will serve to check the middle part of the fabric. The more intense the level will reach deeper and closer to the ribs.
- Use two fingers to pinch the nipple gently and see if there is discharge.
- Repeat the process on the left side.
STANDING BEFORE A MIRROR
This part of the exam will allow you to detect changes in appearance of breasts. Take off your clothes from the waist up and put yourself standing before a mirror with your arms relaxed at your sides. Make sure that the place is well lit. If necessary, a lamp or turn on all lights in the bathroom or the bedroom. Look closely at the breast. What are you looking for? Changes in the appearance of the nipples, for example, or a dimple or skin changes. Look from different angles and positions of the arms. When the test is performed regularly, it is most noticeable when the differences: change in color of skin or nipple, or if there is any lump.
Stand with arms raised to the SIDE
- This position allows you to better check the underarm area.
- Lift one arm at shoulder height.
- With the opposite hand, examine your armpit. ‘re Trying to locate masses, lumps or bumps, just like you did with breasts.
- Repeat on the opposite side.