Early detection of cysts, tumors and other abnormalities affecting breasts makes them easier to treat. Self breast exam San Diego CA is recommended on regular basis to identify any lumps. It is an optional way of spotting early signs of cancer. As such, it has been recommended though not to replace regular mammograms.
Familiarizing yourself with the shape, texture and size of your breasts is important so that you can identify cases of abnormality. It is only by identifying abnormality that you can inform your doctor in good time. Self examination is best carried out immediately after your menstrual cycle. It helps you avoid the deception caused by hormonal changes.
Some women do not menstruate. They are advised to randomly select a date every month and conduct the exam. Every woman should have a journal with observations made during the exams. It offers a tangible evidence of inconsistencies instead of relying on memory. You will use the findings to review your condition with the doctor.
Self exams require you to both observe as well as touch. The procedure involves standing in front of the mirror to observe the symmetry, size and shape of both breasts. Be keen to identify if there is any change since you last conducted the examination. The issues of concern include puckering, inverted nipples, dimpling and asymmetrical ridges below the breasts.
Inspection should be carried out with hands in three positions. Over your head, on the side and while lifting each at a time. Do not use the tip of your finger, instead, lie down and use the pad of several fingers. A similar procedure should be repeated in the shower. The use of soap and water provides a smooth texture that allows fingers to slide over the skin making it easier to feel small lumps.
Adopt a spiral pattern when massaging the breasts. Be attentive and take your time to massage from the nipple. You should move up towards the collarbone, the center around the breastbone and towards the armpits. The arm that is not massaging should be placed on the head. The last procedure is to squeeze the nipples and check if there is a discharge.
What are the risks of breast exam? The risks are not of a medical nature. However, experts observe that women who find lumps get anxious and alarmed to the point of overreacting. The experts confirm that between 80 and 90 percent of lumps are not cancerous. There are other benign conditions like fibrocystic breast disease that cause lumps.
Medical doctors have associated self examination with increasing cases of unnecessary biopsies on breasts. These are procedures that involve surgical removal of certain tissues. Considering that most lumps are not cancerous, many women are exposed to extra procedures that expose them to complications like bleeding and infections.
What should I do if I have a lump? A lot of lumps or tumors are non-cancerous. They occur on tissues due to hormonal changes and other biological processes. Some even disappear within a short time and reappear during the next cycle. However, in case of a lump, notify your doctor who will examine you and provide the right medical recommendation.
Familiarizing yourself with the shape, texture and size of your breasts is important so that you can identify cases of abnormality. It is only by identifying abnormality that you can inform your doctor in good time. Self examination is best carried out immediately after your menstrual cycle. It helps you avoid the deception caused by hormonal changes.
Some women do not menstruate. They are advised to randomly select a date every month and conduct the exam. Every woman should have a journal with observations made during the exams. It offers a tangible evidence of inconsistencies instead of relying on memory. You will use the findings to review your condition with the doctor.
Self exams require you to both observe as well as touch. The procedure involves standing in front of the mirror to observe the symmetry, size and shape of both breasts. Be keen to identify if there is any change since you last conducted the examination. The issues of concern include puckering, inverted nipples, dimpling and asymmetrical ridges below the breasts.
Inspection should be carried out with hands in three positions. Over your head, on the side and while lifting each at a time. Do not use the tip of your finger, instead, lie down and use the pad of several fingers. A similar procedure should be repeated in the shower. The use of soap and water provides a smooth texture that allows fingers to slide over the skin making it easier to feel small lumps.
Adopt a spiral pattern when massaging the breasts. Be attentive and take your time to massage from the nipple. You should move up towards the collarbone, the center around the breastbone and towards the armpits. The arm that is not massaging should be placed on the head. The last procedure is to squeeze the nipples and check if there is a discharge.
What are the risks of breast exam? The risks are not of a medical nature. However, experts observe that women who find lumps get anxious and alarmed to the point of overreacting. The experts confirm that between 80 and 90 percent of lumps are not cancerous. There are other benign conditions like fibrocystic breast disease that cause lumps.
Medical doctors have associated self examination with increasing cases of unnecessary biopsies on breasts. These are procedures that involve surgical removal of certain tissues. Considering that most lumps are not cancerous, many women are exposed to extra procedures that expose them to complications like bleeding and infections.
What should I do if I have a lump? A lot of lumps or tumors are non-cancerous. They occur on tissues due to hormonal changes and other biological processes. Some even disappear within a short time and reappear during the next cycle. However, in case of a lump, notify your doctor who will examine you and provide the right medical recommendation.