Breast Exams.

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newtobc13
newtobc13 Member Posts: 12
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Could someone tell me what a breast exam consists of?  How thorough is it? I recently had one and felt it was very short, with no exam of the denser inside tissue, under arm or lower side areas.  Is this normal?  It was my first one so I have nothing to compare it with, thanks.  

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  • zebras-like-to-boogie
    zebras-like-to-boogie Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2011

    hello

    Very recent  here myself! My examination at the nurse/ Dr was quite swift, the nurse felt around first starting with arm pit and working down, both lying down and sat up.

    I have found very good you tube videos on self examination, and embarassing bodies have a good one as well (not looked around here yet to find them).

    HTH

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  • newtobc13
    newtobc13 Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2011

    Ahhh..yeah no arm pit area, and I wasn't gross or anything! I thought it was weird. She only did it laying down, no sitting up.  Guess I'll check out the self exams..thanks!

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  • VSM
    VSM Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Was it a yearly breast exam?

    I have had many exams, but they are all different depending on the doctor and what they are doing the exam for...At my GYN, the yearly exams in her office are pretty brief. When I go in because there has been a change in my breasts (discharge, sensitive areas, etc.), the exams are more thorough.  When I go in because I'm seeing changes, I am usually sent for a diagnostic exam which includes a mamm and US.  Now I have regular 6 month mamm and US to watch for changes and I meet with a BS.

    It's important that you do self exams so you can become "familiar" with the "normal" characteristics of your own breasts--that way you will be more in tune with any changes you find.

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  • Lavender250
    Lavender250 Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2011

    Breast exams differ from doctor to doctor. This is the first year I've been to the doctor since 2004. I'm terrified of doctors and sometimes they confirm exactly why I don't trust them. My PCP didn't even feel the lump I'm getting checked out now. Had there been no associated pain, I never would have followed up. I went back for a recheck and she noticed it once I showed her. My breast surgeon found it no problem. My recommendation is to find a doctor that will spend at least one minute on each breast, and will check the armpit area as well. If you have a family history, I'd probably go straight to a breast specialist/surgeon for routine exams. This is what I've learned!

    I think doctors should check lumps with the arm up and down. My current lump is more palpable with my arm down. It's important for doctors to be thorough and understand that the patient shouldn't have to tell you how to examine a breast. Office visits are pretty short to begin with, there should be plenty of time to check a breast in different positions.... especially if that's the only reason you came in.

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