Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 1

Breast Self Exam

• Detects the majority of
breast abnormalities
• Potentially life-saving
• Monthly exam, at end
of menses
• Start in front of mirror

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 2
 Inspect for:
• Skin changes
• Redness
• Visible bumps
• Nipple crusting
• Symmetry

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 3
 Raise Arms Up
• Breasts should rise
evenly
• Watch for dimpling or
retraction

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 4
 Feel for Lumps
• Raise the arm
• Feel with opposite hand
• Feel for a “marble in a
bag of rice”

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 5
Use the Middle of Your Fingers
• Fingertips are too
sensitive (all breasts
are somewhat lumpy)
• Palm is too
insensitive
• Middle portion of
fingers is just right

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 6
Move your hand in small circles

• Stay in one place

• Press in while circling
with your hand
• Feel for thickenings the
size of a marble

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 7
Then move to another location
• Work your way around
the breast in a clockwise
fashion, using small
circles of the hand as you
go.
• Make sure the entire
breast is felt.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 8
The “Tail” of the Breast
• Breast is not perfectly
round.
• A “Tail” of breast tissue
normally extends into the
armpit.
• Make sure to feel for
lumps in that portion of
the breast.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 9
 Feel the Armpit
• Use the same circular
motions.
• Feel for breast lumps and
lymph nodes.
• Normal lymph nodes
cannot be felt.
• Enlarged lymph nodes are
about the size of a pencil
eraser, but longer and
thinner.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 10
Try to Express Nipple Discharge
• Strip the ducts towards
the nipple.
• Normally, one or two
drops of clear, milky or
green-tinged secretions.
• Should not be bloody or
in large quantity,
squirting out or staining
the inside of a bra.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 11
Now Check the Other Side
• Follow same
maneuvers.
• Raise the arm above
your head.
• Feel for lumps or
masses.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 12
Have a Professional Breast Exam
Each Year
• Basically the same
maneuvers
• Ask questions

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 13
 Mammograms
• Age 40-50: Every other
year
• Over Age 50: Annually
• Might be more often in
special circumstances
such as breast problems,
family history of breast
cancer.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 14
If you find something in your
breast...
• Don’t panic.
• Most (90%) of breast
lumps are benign.
• Do see a physician or
other qualified health
care provider right away.

Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 15
Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 16