Question 1

how can i do a self breast exam on me?

Accepted Answer

Monthly: After your monthly period, divide the each breast into 4 quadrants while lying down and using the palmer surfaces of 3 fingers circularly check each quadrant and finally the nipple area. If there is doubt about a "lump", jump in the shower and soap your breasts. Most times, fibrocystic "lumps" disappear and the "real meal deal" stands out. See a md if you are unsure.

Question 2

what can my breasts feel like when doing a self breast exam?

Accepted Answer

Focus on YOUR normal: Focus on learning what's normal for you and your body. Then if there's something different or drawing your attention particularly if it's persistent then contact your doctor and let them evaluate.

Question 3

how do self  breast  exam? my  breasts are in pain and  i don't  know  why, they started  hurting sunday  and monday .what do  need do about this

Accepted Answer

Breast discomfort: Breasts frequently become tender as a result of hormonal fluctuations.  Is it possible you could be pregnant?  The purpose of a self breast exam is to assess for swelling and suspicious lumps which usually  do not cause tenderness.

Question 4

when is best time to do self breast exams?

Accepted Answer

Self Exams: I think the best time is once a month in the shower at the same time of the month.  Probably about 10 days after your period or if not having periods then just do it on the first of every month.  Make sure you check up into your armpit, the tail of the breast is there.

Question 5

both of my boobs hurt. but i don't feel lumps that are mobile. my boobs are more hard it feels like when i give myself a self breast exam. ?

Accepted Answer

Good you're checking: Sounds like your breast tissue is pretty dense - perhaps fibroadenomatous. That makes self-checks challenging &amp; sometimes frustrating. So, wait until the best day of your cycle when your breasts will be least swollen &amp; tender: roughly 3-5 days after the end of your period, about the same time in your cycle every month. Tell your doc you are having breast pain. You may benefit from further testing.

Question 6

i have lumps in my breasts and you can feel them. they are cysts and tissue. how do i know which ones are of concern when doing a self breast exam?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, you can't: even in experienced hands, very difficult to tell if lump is of concern or not.  Imaging of your breasts best way to help determine if the lumps are of concern or not.  Screening mammogram and possible ultrasound to start.  Hope this was helpful.  Best of luck.  Dr R

Question 7

what to do if i know there is a way to do a self breast exam to check for cancer, how do i do it?

Accepted Answer

Pl see below: Here is a good resource:

http://www.Nationalbreastcancer.Org/breast-self-exam.

Question 8

during self breast exam i note my areolas feel lumpy beneath the skin. some lumps larger and firmer than others. are lumps meant to be there?

Accepted Answer

Normal findings...: The breast tissue usually feels "lumpy" because of the mammary glands which give them that quality. However, if you have felt a hard lump or larger than usual that persists for several days or more it is time to have that checked with your doctor. Also if you have skin changes on your breast area, fluid coming out of your nipples or changes in your nipple appearance you need immediate evaluation.

Question 9

is it recommended to do a self breast exam while pregnant and/or nursing? my breasts are going through changes so i don't know what to look for.

Accepted Answer

Yes, check them: Even though it is not common for a breast cancer to coexist with a pregnancy, it still occurs. Your breasts will be slightly larger and fuller during pregnancy, but the self-exam should look for lumps, skin puckering and bloody discharges just like when not pregnant.

Question 10

have been having aching pains in left breast, when i do self breast exam, some areas are more tender to touch than others. what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

Fibrocystic breasts?: You may have breast cysts which are affected by your hormonal cycle. Avoding caffeine is often helpful. You should consult your doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Self breast exams

A member asked:

How can i do a self breast exam on me?

A member asked:

What can my breasts feel like when doing a self breast exam?

A member asked:

How do self breast exam? my breasts are in pain and i don't know why, they started hurting sunday and monday .what do need do about this

A member asked:

When is best time to do self breast exams?

A member asked:

Both of my boobs hurt. but i don't feel lumps that are mobile. my boobs are more hard it feels like when i give myself a self breast exam. ?

A member asked:

I have lumps in my breasts and you can feel them. they are cysts and tissue. how do i know which ones are of concern when doing a self breast exam?

A member asked:

What to do if i know there is a way to do a self breast exam to check for cancer, how do i do it?

A member asked:

During self breast exam i note my areolas feel lumpy beneath the skin. some lumps larger and firmer than others. are lumps meant to be there?

A member asked:

Is it recommended to do a self breast exam while pregnant and/or nursing? my breasts are going through changes so i don't know what to look for.

A member asked:

Have been having aching pains in left breast, when i do self breast exam, some areas are more tender to touch than others. what's wrong?

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