1. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 1 Video

2. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 2 Breast Self Exam Detects the majority of breast abnormalities Potentially life-saving Monthly exam, at end of menses Start in front of mirror

3. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 3 Inspect for: Skin changes Redness Visible bumps Nipple crusting Symmetry

4. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 4 Raise Arms Up Breasts should rise evenly Watch for dimpling or retraction

5. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 5 Feel for Lumps Raise the arm Feel with opposite hand Feel for a “marble in a bag of rice”

6. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 6 Use the Middle of Your Fingers Fingertips are too sensitive (all breasts are somewhat lumpy) Palm is too insensitive Middle portion of fingers is just right

7. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 7 Move your hand in small circles Stay in one place Press in while circling with your hand Feel for thickenings the size of a marble

8. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 8 Then move to another location Work your way around the breast in a clockwise fashion, using small circles of the hand as you go. Make sure the entire breast is felt.

9. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 9 The “Tail” of the Breast Breast is not perfectly round. A “Tail” of breast tissue normally extends into the armpit. Make sure to feel for lumps in that portion of the breast.

10. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 10 Feel the Armpit Use the same circular motions. Feel for breast lumps and lymph nodes. Normal lymph nodes cannot be felt. Enlarged lymph nodes are about the size of a pencil eraser, but longer and thinner.

11. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 11 Try to Express Nipple Discharge Strip the ducts towards the nipple. Normally, one or two drops of clear, milky or green-tinged secretions. Should not be bloody or in large quantity, squirting out or staining the inside of a bra.

12. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 12 Now Check the Other Side Follow same maneuvers. Raise the arm above your head. Feel for lumps or masses.

13. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 13 Have a Professional Breast Exam Each Year Basically the same maneuvers Ask questions

14. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 14 Mammograms Age 40-50: Every other year Over Age 50: Annually Might be more often in special circumstances such as breast problems, family history of breast cancer.

15. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 15 If you find something in your breast... Don’t panic. Most (90%) of breast lumps are benign. Do see a physician or other qualified health care provider right away.

16. Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology · Bureau of Medicine and Surgery · 2000 Slide 16