Patient's question:
Doctor, hello!I recently feel like my breasts have become larger (I'm 26, I should be past puberty! They were already quite big), and I have a feeling of fullness. When I touch them, there are lumps. The lump on my right breast is significantly larger and harder than the one on my left, and it's not during my period...
Could you please tell me what are the possible diseases? If there is a problem with the breast, what are the common symptoms? Thank you!!!
First follow-up question: How should I perform a self-breast examination? What are the different methods?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: If there are no abnormal discomforts based on your condition, you can wait and see for a while.1. Visual Inspection Method
● Raise both hands above your head.
● Clasp your hands firmly on your waist and contract your chest muscles.
● Lean forward to observe the shape of your breasts, the changes in your nipples and areolas.
● Pay attention to the changes in the appearance of both breasts, whether they are symmetrical, and check for localized skin elevation, depression, or orange-peel-like changes. Also, observe if there is redness, swelling, warmth, or pain on the breast surface.
● Check if both nipples are symmetrical, whether there is recent indentation, scaling on the nipple, and gently squeeze the nipple to observe any discharge.
2. Palpation Inspection Method
● Lie on your left side, bend your knees, place your right hand on your forehead, and prop your right shoulder with a pillow.
● Use the pads of your left index, middle, and ring fingers to palpate the right breast, ensuring you do not squeeze the breast tissue.
● Start checking the outer part of the breast from the armpit to the nipple and from the clavicle to the lower edge of your bra.
● When inspecting the breast, gradually increase the pressure of your fingers, which can be divided into three steps: first, lightly touch the breast skin, then use moderate pressure to press the breast. Finally, apply firm pressure to the extent that you can feel your ribs.
● Next, turn to a supine position. Bend your right elbow and place your arm on one side of your head. Begin using your left hand to check the inner part of the right breast. The method is the same as for the outer part, with the range from the nipple to the center of the chest and from the clavicle to the lower edge of the bra.