The main purpose of the self-examination is to feel for a tumor, areas of induration or swelling that are not present elsewhere in the breast, or changes that were not detected during the previous examination..

It is necessary to conduct a self-examination once a month, 7-10 days after the end of menstruation..

In their absence, the examination is carried out on the same day of the month..

Self-examination consists of examination and palpation of the mammary glands (MF).

The examination is carried out standing in front of a mirror and under the shower, as well as lying down.. The criteria for the examination are as follows:.

- change in the size of the glands (increase or decrease), change in their shape, as well as the resulting asymmetry of the glands - when one gland is larger than the other;

- the presence of depressions on the skin, peeling, redness or swelling of the skin, whether the skin has taken on the appearance of the so-called lemon peel;

- change in the position and shape of the nipples - is there retraction, bulging, or their asymmetry;

- whether the glands are evenly displaced when the arms are raised;

- the appearance of ulcers and rashes on the skin.

On examination, it is considered normal when the nipples are located on the same line, the shapes of the breast are the same and symmetrical (or when some congenital asymmetry does not change), and the skin is smooth, clean, and has a normal color.

When examined standing:.

Examine the bra, shirt, paying attention to the presence of stains.

Examine the nipples - if they are retracted, if their color and shape have changed, if there are ulcers. Examine the skin of the breast: are there any changes in color, swelling, retractions, ulcerations.

When viewed in front of a mirror - the examination is carried out with a different position of the hands and body:.

- hands are placed on the sides;

- hands raised;

- hands down;

- turning right;

- turn left;

- putting your hands on your hips, pointing your shoulders and elbows forward, straining your pectoral muscles.

After examination, you can proceed to palpation (palpation).

Its criteria should be the following:.

- the presence of discharge from the nipple (bloody, light, yellow, greenish, dark) and its compaction;

- the presence of nodular seals in the mammary gland, and if they are found, it is necessary to establish their size, mobility, connection with surrounding tissues;

- the presence of inflammatory seals in the tissue of the gland.

Palpation is usually carried out while standing in the shower or lying down.. Each gland is examined with the opposite hand or both hands at once. If the mammary glands are large and sagging, it is preferable to palpate lying down..

Standing in the shower with the fingertips of a soapy hand, examine the chest in a circular motion.; starting from the edge of the gland, feel the entire tissue. Check the periphery of the chest and especially the axillae and lymph nodes. Lymph outflow occurs here, and the condition of the lymph nodes is very important.. The hand of the same name with a palpable gland is lowered.

You should feel the lymph nodes in the subclavian fossae and the cervical lymph nodes located along the sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck - visible in front of the neck in the form of paired rollers.

After the first circle, move 2.5 cm to the nipple and repeat the procedure. And so on until you get to the areola.

Inspection lying on the back - when feeling the left breast, a small pillow is placed under the left shoulder blade, and the palm of the left hand is under the head.

With the fingers of the right hand, in a circular motion with light pressure, all sections of the gland and the armpit are felt (similar to how it was done in the shower). Palpation of the right gland is carried out similarly.

Techniques for self-examination with the help of circular movements and with the help of movements from the center.

If there are any changes reflected in the examination criteria, or if you experience sensations that are not characteristic of the previous self-examination, you should immediately contact a doctor - a mammologist or an oncologist.

Trofimov medbe. en.