What are the 3 methods to perform a breast self examination?

What are the 3 methods to perform a breast self examination?

You may use 1 of 3 different methods — the circular method, the “wheel spokes” method, or the grid method. During breast self-exam, be sure to use the fat pads of the fingertips of the 3 middle fingers.

What is the best way to examine your breast?

Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit. You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.

What kind of breast exams are there?

The most commonly used breast imaging tests at this time are mammograms, ultrasound, and breast MRI. Newer types of tests are now being developed for breast imaging. Some of these, such as breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), are already being used in some centers.

What is a breast examination called?

Mammography is the primary tool used to screen for breast cancer and other problems. Mammography uses X-ray technology to view the breasts. The images created are called a mammogram. A physician called a radiologist reads the images.

How do you perform a breast exam?

With the middle fingers of your left hand, gently yet firmly press down using small motions to examine the entire right breast. Next, sit or stand. Feel your armpit, because breast tissue goes into that area. Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge.

Are there 2 types of mammograms?

There are two main types of mammography: film-screen mammography and digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography or FFDM.

What type of exam is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a non-invasive breast exam that can detect breast cancer and other breast diseases when they are easiest to treat. During a mammogram, a technician will use a special machine to take X-rays of your breasts.

When should I examine my breasts?

The best time to examine your breasts is usually 1 week after your menstrual period starts, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. Examining your breasts at other times in your menstrual cycle may make it hard to compare results of one exam with another.

Where is the tail of the breast located?

The breast tissue extends horizontally (side-to-side) from the edge of the sternum (the firm flat bone in the middle of the chest) out to the midaxillary line (the center of the axilla, or underarm). A tail of breast tissue called the “axillary tail of Spence” extend into the underarm area.

What are the steps of a breast self-exam?

What are the steps of a breast self-exam? 1. Visual inspection: With your shirt and bra removed, stand in front of a mirror. Put your arms down by your sides. Look for any changes in breast shape, breast swelling, dimpling in the skin or changes in the nipples. Next, raise your arms high overhead and look for the same things.

What is a breast self-exam menu?

Breast Self-Exam Menu. A breast self-exam is a technique that a woman can use to examine her breasts to look for changes (such lumps or thickenings) that may signal breast cancer. When a woman detects breast cancer in its early stages, she greatly improves her chances for surviving the disease.

What is a breast self-exam (BSE)?

A breast self-exam (BSE) is a way to examine your breasts on a regular basis to look for any changes. You can do BSEs once a month, occasionally, or not at all. If you choose not to do a BSE, you should still make sure you know how your breasts normally look and feel.

What is the difference between a mammogram and a breast self-exam?

While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your healthcare professional if there are any changes.