breast tests?

Question

when you are getting tests done on your breasts to see if you have something wrong with them what sort of tests do the doctors do?

Answer 1

If you are 35 and over, you should get a mammogram. That's a special kind of Xray to detect tumors in the breast. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you may want to start mammograms as early as 30. Women of the appropriate age should get annual mammograms.

Otherwise, when you get a physical exam, your doctor will check your breasts for lumps by palpating them. Your doctor will do this by asking you to raise your arm behindyour head. Then s/he will carefully rub her/his hand in a circle starting from the center of the breast, moving outward. You should do the same breast check on your own once a month in the shower. Your doctor will instruct you on how to do it correctly.

Answer 2

Typically, they'll start off with a breast exam. They will feel your breasts looking for lumps... the same thing you do when you do a breast exam. If they find a lump, or if you are over 35, they may image your breasts using ultrasound or x-rays (mammogram). Your doctor will check to see if there is any discharge from your nipples and, if there is, take a sample for analysis. Lumps may be biopsied, which is done with a small needle (scary, but you don't have to look).

Answer 3

They can feel for tumors with their fingertips, or use a mammogram, which is kind of like a boob X-ray.