Reference Manual - IARC Screening Group

Performing Breast and Pelvic Examinations• Show the woman how to perform a breast self-examination (seebelow).• Record your findings.Recording theFindingsAfter performing the breast examination, write the findings in thewoman’s record. An example of the findings from a normal examinationis shown below.BreastsAppeared normal. No nipple discharge. Nolumps or tenderness found during palpation.Axilla normal.Terms Used to Describe the FindingsSpecific terms used to describe the findings are listed below. Whenrecording the findings, use as many of these terms as possible so that thewoman’s record will have enough detail.ShapeSkinNipple DischargeMass or LumpSizeConsistencyMobilityIs there any difference in the shape of thebreasts?What does the skin look like? Is it smooth,puckered or dimpled?Is there any abnormal fluid coming from thenipples? Discharge is described by its color,thickness, odor and amount.A group of cells that adhere to each other. Maybe the result of an abscess, cyst, or benign ormalignant tumor.How big (cm) is the mass? If the mass isround, what is the diameter?What does the mass or lump feel like? Is itfirm, soft, fluid-filled or hardened?When palpated, is the mass movable or does itstay fixed? Mobility is usually defined in termssuch as fixed (does not move on palpation),freely mobile (mobility on palpation) andlimited mobility (some movement onpalpation).G-8 Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines for Low-Resource Settings