Breast Self Examination

1Breast Self Examination2

Dr. Waleed Ayoub Shehadat M.D, MScObstetrician & GynecologistBillasmar General Hospital

Aseer- KSAApril 2009

Waleed.shehadat@gmail.com

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

• *Includes both looking and feeling over the entire breast and chest area .• *Women should use the pads, not the tips, of the three middle fingers.

• *BSE usually only takes about 15 to 20 minutes each month* .• *Women should be sure to examine the breasts in the same manner

each month .• *check the entire breast and armpit area, and remember how the breasts

feel from month to month.• *Some women prefer to keep a small diary of their monthly breast self-

exams..•

.

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

• Approximate percentage of breast cancers found in each area:

• 41% in the upper, outer quadrant

• 14% in the upper, inner quadrant

• 5% in the lower, inner quadrant

• 34% in the area behind the nipple

• 6% in the lower, outer quadrant

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

Patterns to Use When Performing BSE

1. Vertical or "up and down" pattern (or "squares") covering the entire breast.

2. Spiral or ring pattern, making concentric rings that tighten in a spiral, starting on the outer edges of the breast and ending around the nipple.

3. Wedge patterns in and out (or "quadrants").

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

• Patterns to Use When Performing BSE

Vertical Spiral Wedge

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

• Women should use three levels of pressure (light, medium, and firm) and small "massaging" circles.

• Women should not lift the fingers while feeling the breasts. • Women should perform BSE when they can be in a private place. • BSE should be performed in a warm room or during a warm

shower so that the breast tissue is relaxed. . Cold air or cold water causes the breasts and nipples to contract.

• Some women prefer to use a small amount of baby powder or talcum powder.

• Soapy fingers reduce friction and allow some breast changes to be more easily recognized.

•

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

•Any persistent breast lump or abnormality of

the breast or nipple should be reported to a

physician as soon as possible.

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

Step 1

What you should look for:*Breasts that are their usual size, shape,

and color.*Breasts that are evenly shaped without

visible distortion or swelling .*Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the

skin.*A nipple that has changed position or an

inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out).

*Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling .

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

•Step 2 •Raise your

arms and look for the

same changes.

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

•Step 3: While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger

and thumb and check for nipple

discharge (this could be a milky or yellow

fluid or blood).

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

•Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

•Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

•

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

•Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. Be sure to feel all the breast tissue: just beneath your skin with a soft touch and down deeper with a firmer touch. Begin examining each area with a very soft touch, and then increase pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue, down to your ribcage

Breast Self ExaminationBSE

•Step 5 •Finally, feel your breasts

while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements

described in Step 4.

BARADA in BAB TOUMADAMASCUS