Cheap and simple method of breast self examination without leaving home.
It’s a good idea to examine your breasts once a month, and it makes sense to choose the same time each month because breasts usually change with the menstrual cycle. The best time to do a BSE is about a week after your period starts.The test should be performed in peace and solitude to be able to focus.
We watch and we investigate the breast with your fingers. Preferably after a menstrual period, if a woman is still menstruating. Divide breast into 4 parts or explore it clockwise with stopping at any hour.
Watching and examine your breast should be done mainly at the mirror in several positions and several ways .
* Standing position – visual exam
* Hands on hips – visual exam
Stand with your hands on your hips and check the appearance of your breasts. Look at size, shape, contour and the skin color or texture. Look at the nipples and areolas, to see how healthy they look.
* With arms over your head – visual exam
When raising your arms over your head look if your breasts move in the same way, and note any differences. Look at size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry. Concentrate on your nipples and areolas, to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction. Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are.
* Stand and Stroke – manual exam
Stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across with a circular motion from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size.
* Checking your nipples – manual exam
With the index and middle fingers of your hand, gently squeeze the left nipple and pull forward to check if the nipple spring back into place.
* Recline and Stroke – manual exam
Lie on the bed and place a pillow so that you can lie with both your head and shoulders on the pillow. Put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as in Stand and Stroke exam. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size of the breast.
What has to be evaluated during the exam?
* Shape
* Symmetry of the breast in relation to the armpit,
* The size of the breast,
* Position of the breast – low, high, relation to each other,
* Texture – a loose structure, relaxed muscle
* Discoloration of skin structure,
* Does the nipple spring back into place when pushing forward, shape of the nipple
* Note whether or not any fluid leaks out
* How transparent are blood vessels?