Breast Flashcards
1
Q
What indications are there for a breast exam?
A
Lump Pain Nipple changes Skin changes Suspicion of malignancy Fever of unknown cause
2
Q
What do you observe for on general inspection?
A
Symmetry of breast tissue Venous pattern Nipple discharge Nipple retraction Rash Change in shape / size Peau d'orange Tethering Inflammation
3
Q
What 4 positions should the patient be in to observe for breast changes?
A
- Arms raised above head (examine intra-mammory folds and underside of breast tissue)
- Hands on hips (press inwards on top of breast tissue and pectoral muscles)
- Leaning forward (assess symmetry)
- Lying supine with arms by sides (or with hand behind head)
4
Q
Which breast should you examine first?
A
Normal breast
5
Q
How do you examine the breast?
A
Flat hand
Middle 3 fingers
Press gently initially, then harder
Use a rotatory movement to compress tissue gently against chest wall
6
Q
What areas should you examine?
A
Circular / quadrants Areolar area Tail of Spence Axillae Supra-clavicular fossa
7
Q
What must you ask the patient if they are female?
A
Where they are in their cycle and if the current texture of their breasts is normal for them at this time in their cycle
8
Q
If you feel a mass, what must you note about it?
A
Site Size Consistency Motility / relationship to underlying tissue Relationship to skin
9
Q
What must you note about the skin?
A
Temperature
Tenderness
Discolouration
