women's diagnostic imaging services - Mountain States Health ...

Breast Self-ExaminationWhile Lying Down• To examine the right breast,place your right arm overyour head (this distributesbreast tissue evenly). Placea folded towel or pillowbeneath the shoulder.• With your left hand, use theflat part of your fingers to press gently but firmlyin small circular motions around entire breast andinward toward the nipple.• Many women feel a firm ridge of tissue underneaththeir breasts. This is usually normal and commonlyfeels the same on both sides. Some women havenaturally lumpy breasts and should record the areasof thickening.• Examine the area between the breast and armpit, aswell as the armpit itself.• Depress your nipple. Normally the area behind thenipple feels hollow and soft. This area should feelsimilar in both breasts.• Repeat this procedure on your left breast, usingyour right hand.In the Tub or Shower• Continue to use the samecircular motions. The soap andwater will allow your handsto glide more smoothly overyour skin. Check for lumps orunusual thickenings.• With the right arm raised, use the flat pads of yourfingers from your left hand and reach up highand deep. Feel the area between the breast andthe armpit, as well as the armpit itself. Repeat onopposite side.• Check the area above and below your collarbone forthickness, lumps and swelling.In Front of a MirrorIn good light, turn side toside in these positions:1. Relax arms at sides.2. Place hands on hipsand press down on hipbones.3. Clasp hands behindhead with elbows pulledback.4. Place hands on waistand bend forward sobreasts hang.In each position, look for:• Nipple change (inverted, flattened, crustyappearance)• Nipple discharge• Puckering or dimpling• Change in breast shape, contour or size• Scaling, redness, rash, sores or unusual texture• Anything that is unusual or causes you concernFor the Mastectomy PatientContinue monthly self-exams for the remaining breast.Look in the mirror for redness, scaliness or rash. Payparticular attention to the scar line. Feel betweeneach rib and over the breast bone for thickness, lumpsand swelling. Remember to feel under both arms andabove and below collarbones.www.msha.com/imaging | page 11