BREAST SELF EXAMINATION
F
|
irst of all, the woman has a big part to play, because it is her body. She
knows more about it than everybody else.
She can perform the procedure as BSE.
Here are the main steps in this process.
Brest can be completed using the
mirror examination. Standing in front of a mirror, the woman can better
evaluate the breast surroundings and any change in its shape.
To do it, the woman examines her breast
herself, in the days following her period. She touches her breast with the
fingers pads rather than with fingertips, looking for some possible lump. To
have a better grip, she benefits from squeezing her breasts against the chest
bone while going to the armpit. Many doctors advise practicing this palpation
in a prone position (lying down). The point is to identify any change of size or texture,
and notice any irregular mass. Furthermore, the woman can observe how this lump
behaves, whether it grows larger or disappears between the menses.
 |
The woman will strive to note any deformity,
shape change, asymmetry, and discoloration in each breast. As well, she has to
observe whether there is any discharge in the nipples.
Some doctors want
their patients to push against their breast, contracting the pectoral muscles.
Fingers feel deeply set lumps this way. The same goes for the nipples which,
when squeezed, can discharge fluids which can be pathologic. The mirror technique
allows the woman to note any color changes or dermatologic details as happens
in the case of Paget’s disease.
Secondly, the next
step consists of palpation. Going to the right breast and lifting the left arm
above of her head, the woman would look for some mass, swelling or nay unusual
lump in her breast. It is recommended to push the mass of the breast against
the chest in order to feel any modification in consistency of form.
Repeat the same
process for the left breast.
The next step is performed
with the woman in supine or lying down position.
The breast and muscles below are relaxed. There is less effect of gravity. Masses
and any irregular modification can be identified in this laying down position.
Women who menstruate no
longer are advised to perform this examination each month at the same time.
Whatever their age,
women who note some change in their breast have to check with their physician.
No comments:
Post a Comment