Breast and Axilla Exam Flashcards
Health History for Breast Exam to ask about includes?
Breast lumps or mass
Breast discharge or discomfort
Nipple discharge
Breast self exam
Change in size or appearance
Family Hx of Breast CA or fibrocystic breast disease
What position should the patient be in for Inspection of the breasts?
Sitting position
Arms at sides
What should the provider look for when inspecting breasts
Appearance of the skin
Size and symmetry of the breasts
contour of the breasts
characteristics of the nipples
What aspects of the skin should the provider look for?
color
thickening
prominent pores
retraction
skin dimpling
peau d’orange
How should the provider palpate the breast?
with patient in supine position
fingerpads of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers slightly flexed
vertical strip pattern is the best systematic process
Palpation of the nipple includes what?
palpate each nipple
note elasticity or any discharge
What is this an image of?
Padget’s disease
What is Padget’s disease of the breasts?
a rare type of skin cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and areola
What is this an image of?
Peau d’orange
What is Peau d’orange?
a skin condition that causes the skin to become dimpled or pitted, similar to that of an orange
Examination of the Male Breasts
Inspect what?
the nipple and areola for nodules, swelling, ulceration
Examination of the Male Breasts
Palpate what?
the areola and breast tissue (nodules)
Examination of the Male Breasts
If it appears enlarged; soft, fatty enlargement, it is?
obesity
Examination of the Male Breasts
Firm disc of glandular enlargement
gynecomastia
Examination of the Male Breasts
Hard, irregular, eccentric, or ulcerating nodule
suspicion of breasts cancer
Examination of Mastectomy or Breast Augmentation Patient
Inspect what?
the scar (mastectomy) and axilla for masses, unusual nodularity
Examination of Mastectomy or Breast Augmentation Patient
Look for change in what or signs of what?
color
signs of inflammation
Examination of Mastectomy or Breast Augmentation Patient
Look for the presence of?
lymphedema
Examination of Mastectomy or Breast Augmentation Patient
Carefully palpate what?
the breast tissue and incision lines of women with breast augmentation or reconstruction
Examination of the Axilla
Inspect for?
rash
infection
unusual pigmentation
Examination of the Axilla
Palpate how?
use left hand to examine right axilla
right hand for left axilla
Examination of the Axilla
One or more what are frequently felt
soft, small (</= 1cm), nontender nodes
Breast Self Exam
Which Step?
While looking in the mirror, visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples.
Step 1
Breast Self Exam
Which Step?
Rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match - few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes particularly to one side.
Step 2
Breast Self Exam
Which Step?
While Lying down, the breast tissue spreads out along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breasts.
Step 3
Breast Self Exam
Which Step?
Feel up and down your breasts, first with a soft touch, then increase the pressure. Feel for changes from top to bottom and side to side. Cover your entire breast and don’t miss any tissue.
Step 4
