Abnormalities like tumors and cysts on breasts are easier to treat when they are detected early. This makes self breast exam San Diego CA important as an effective option in early detection. Some of the lumps are likely to be the early indicators of cancerous cells. Doctors however caution that this should not replace periodic mammograms.
When you are familiar with the size, texture and shape of your breasts, you can easily note abnormalities. The discrepancies give you grounds on which to consult your doctor before it is too late. The best time to conduct self examination is at the end of your menstrual cycle. There are no hormones that are likely to change your body tissues and lead to erroneous diagnosis.
For women who do not menstruate, doctors recommend that you pick a random date of the month to be conducting the examination. When examining your breasts, keep track of all observations. The recorded results are easy to compare and are reliable when reporting to the doctor.
Self examination requires you to both observe and touch. By standing in front of the mirror, inspect the shape, size and symmetry of the two breasts. Take note of any changes from the last inspection. Other observations to make include puckering, dimpling, inverted nipples or asymmetrical ridges below your breasts.
During visual inspection, record your observation with hands on the sides, arms over your head and by lifting one breast at a time. Use the pad of your fingers, and not the tip, when conducting an examination while lying down. This procedure is also used in the shower. The water and soap in the shower makes it easier for fingers to slide over the skin in a way that you can feel very small lumps.
Massaging should be conducted in spiral motion ensuring that you spend time on each section. Flow from the nipple moving towards your collarbone, to the mid section around the breast bone and finally towards the armpits. Place the other hand over the head to provide enough exposure. The last thing is to squeeze both nipples and ensure that there is no discharge.
Is self examination risky in any way? Though there are no medical risks to self exam, the procedure has been linked with anxiety and overreacting. Doctors confirm that eighty to ninety percent of lumps are non-cancerous. They arise out of such benign conditions as fibrocystic breast disease and are should therefore not cause panic.
Self examination has also been associated with increasing unnecessary biopsies on breasts. During the biopsies, certain tissues are surgically removed. This is dangerous because it is likely to cause infections and bleeding, among other complications. The experts consider it unnecessary since the lumps are not dangerous.
What if I spot a lump? Do not panic. With up to 90 percent of tumors being non-cancerous, you have no reason to worry. It could be hormonal changes which will cause the lump to disappear with time. The best course of action is to seek an appointment with your doctor for professional and detailed examination so that the correct medical step can be taken.
When you are familiar with the size, texture and shape of your breasts, you can easily note abnormalities. The discrepancies give you grounds on which to consult your doctor before it is too late. The best time to conduct self examination is at the end of your menstrual cycle. There are no hormones that are likely to change your body tissues and lead to erroneous diagnosis.
For women who do not menstruate, doctors recommend that you pick a random date of the month to be conducting the examination. When examining your breasts, keep track of all observations. The recorded results are easy to compare and are reliable when reporting to the doctor.
Self examination requires you to both observe and touch. By standing in front of the mirror, inspect the shape, size and symmetry of the two breasts. Take note of any changes from the last inspection. Other observations to make include puckering, dimpling, inverted nipples or asymmetrical ridges below your breasts.
During visual inspection, record your observation with hands on the sides, arms over your head and by lifting one breast at a time. Use the pad of your fingers, and not the tip, when conducting an examination while lying down. This procedure is also used in the shower. The water and soap in the shower makes it easier for fingers to slide over the skin in a way that you can feel very small lumps.
Massaging should be conducted in spiral motion ensuring that you spend time on each section. Flow from the nipple moving towards your collarbone, to the mid section around the breast bone and finally towards the armpits. Place the other hand over the head to provide enough exposure. The last thing is to squeeze both nipples and ensure that there is no discharge.
Is self examination risky in any way? Though there are no medical risks to self exam, the procedure has been linked with anxiety and overreacting. Doctors confirm that eighty to ninety percent of lumps are non-cancerous. They arise out of such benign conditions as fibrocystic breast disease and are should therefore not cause panic.
Self examination has also been associated with increasing unnecessary biopsies on breasts. During the biopsies, certain tissues are surgically removed. This is dangerous because it is likely to cause infections and bleeding, among other complications. The experts consider it unnecessary since the lumps are not dangerous.
What if I spot a lump? Do not panic. With up to 90 percent of tumors being non-cancerous, you have no reason to worry. It could be hormonal changes which will cause the lump to disappear with time. The best course of action is to seek an appointment with your doctor for professional and detailed examination so that the correct medical step can be taken.