self breast checks?

Question

i know that you are supposed to do self breast checks for cancer and stuff but when you do them how do you know what a lump feels like. would a lump be big or small, or what does it feel like

Answer 1

Breast Self-Exam

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a diagnostic technique regularly performed by a woman, independent from a physician, both by feeling for anything suspicious in her breasts and by observing any changes through the use of a mirror.

BSE should be performed monthly in order to discover changes in breast tissue, discharge from the nipple, or the onset of pain in the breast area. While 80% of lumps are not cancerous, such discoveries can ultimately lead to the detection of breast cancer.

BSE is an effective self-diagnostic procedure, but it must not take the place of having a mammogram and having a health care provider check the breasts for abnormal changes. Make sure to schedule an annual clinical breast examination with a licensed medical care provider to supplement the BSE.

Description

It is important that BSEs are performed routinely so that a woman knows what her breasts normally feel and look like, resulting in quicker identification of anything abnormal. Self-exams take less than five minutes to perform and should be done a few days after the end of menstruation. Women that menstruate irregularly should choose a day of the month that is easy to remember, such as the date of their birth, and perform the exams on the same day each month.

The first phase of the BSE is to disrobe and stand in front of a mirror, observing the breast area in four different positions. First, with the arms down to the sides, look at the color, shape, outline, and direction of the breasts and nipples, taking note of anything atypical. Then, press the hands on the hips in order to flex the chest muscles, making the same observations. Next, observe the breasts while leaning forward. Finally, raise the arms overhead and notice anything abnormal such as color changes, dimpling of the skin, or nipple discharge.

The second phase of the BSE is performed lying down. First, put a pillow under the right shoulder and place the right hand under the head so that the elbow is positioned at a 90-degree angle. This is done in order to flatten the breast as much as possible, making the examination easier and more effective.

Then, using the pads of the fingers of the left hand, press firmly around the breast using a small circular motion about the size of a penny. A small amount of lotion or petroleum jelly can make it easier to feel for lumps. Three types of pressure should be used. The first pressure should be enough to examine the surface, typically just to move the skin and feel for changes in the top layer of tissue. The second level of pressure is a deeper pressure, probing into the tissue. The final pressure level is applied deep into the breast tissue so that the rib cage can be felt and a minor amount of discomfort is experienced. Choose a comfortable pattern such as circles, lines, or wedges to make sure that the entire breast and armpit area are thoroughly examined with each level of pressure.

Finally, tenderly squeeze the area around the nipple and check for fluid discharge. After the right breast has been thoroughly examined, repeat the above steps on the left breast.

Although it is uncommon, forms of breast cancer can also occur in men. The breast self-exam can be modified to be effective for men. Men can utilize the visual exam and can also feel for any changes in the tissue.

IN CASE OF ANY SLIGHTEST DUBT CONSULT YOUR ONCOLOGIST FOR DOING A MAMOGRAM. We should not take any risk as CANCER IS TILL AN ENIGMA-

Answer 2

Important Tips While Examining
• Make use of the palm to examine and not the finger tips.
• Examine the breast right until the underarms as the breast tail stretches until that area
• It is best to conduct the examination in two- three different positions such as standing, lying or even leaning.
• Examining the nipple is also important. Although hard squeezing of the nipple leads to discharge otherwise too, if gentle squeezing also leads to discharge, it may be a sign of tumor. In case of blood discharge, consult your doctor immediately.

Answer 3

Ask your doctor or gynocologist to teach you how to check yourself and what to look out for. It really helps to have someone show you how in person.

Lumps can be small or large, and are not necessarily malignant. Be sure to get mammograms too, since they can detect tumors much earlier than by self-examination. If it is cancer, the earlier you find it, the better your chances for survival.

Answer 4

i think anything that feel real hard usually under the arm pit. hard like a onion. Do it laying down then in the shower. Best thing if you are unsure go to the doctor to see. My mom had her breast under a machine thingy. she said it hurt but don't worry. better safe than sorry.

Answer 5

Coffee bean, hard and small, that's not good.