Patient's question:
Doctor, hello!I recently noticed that my breasts seem to have grown larger (I'm 26, and I should be past puberty! They were already quite big), and I have a feeling of fullness. When I touch them, there are lumps, and the lump on my right breast is significantly larger and harder than on the left. It's also not during my menstrual period...
Could you please tell me what possible conditions this could be? If there is a breast condition, what are the general symptoms? Thank you!!!
First follow-up question: How should I perform a self-breast exam? 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, indentation, or orange-peel-like changes. Also, observe if there is any 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 lift the breast tissue during the examination.
● 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 examining the breast, gradually increase the pressure of your finger pads in three steps: first, lightly touch the breast skin, then use moderate pressure, and finally apply firm pressure to feel your ribs.
● Next, turn to a supine position. Bend your right elbow, placing your arm on one side of your head. Begin examining the inner part of the right breast with your left hand, using the same method as for the outer part, covering the range from the nipple to the center of your chest and from the clavicle to the lower edge of your bra.