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.
Familiarizing yourself with the shape, texture and size of your breasts is important so that you can identify cases of abnormality. It is only by identifying abnormality that you can inform your doctor in good time. Self examination is best carried out immediately after your menstrual cycle. It helps you avoid the deception caused by hormonal changes.
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 exam involves both visual observation and touching. You are advised to stand in front of a mirror and observe such aspects as the size, shape and symmetry. Check if these aspects have changed from the last time you examined. Check for dimpling, puckering, inverted nipples and the existence of asymmetrical ridges at the bottom.
To get the best results, carry out the examination three times with the hands placed in different positions. These positions are over the head, on the side and with each breast lifted. Avoid using the tips of your fingers. Instead, use several fingers while lying down and massage with the pad of your fingers. The procedure is then repeated using water and soap in the shower. It makes the fingers smooth enough to spot even the smallest lump.
The massage should be conducted in a spiral pattern. Pay attention to every move and touch ensuring that you take your time to feel every part. Begin from the nipple towards the collarbone, breastbone and finally the armpits. This allows you to cover all the tissues. The other hand is usually placed over the head. Squeeze both nipples and check if there is 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.
Many women undergo unnecessary biopsies on their breasts because of non-cancerous tumors. The surgical removal of tissues may lead to fatal bleeding or cause infections. This is unnecessary exposure considering that most of these tumors are non-cancerous.
The presence of a lump should not cause panic. There are numerous non-cancerous tumors affecting different tissues that should not worry you. Some are caused by hormonal changes and will therefore disappear. This does not mean that you should ignore abnormalities or lumps. You are advised to see a doctor for professional examination and recommendation.
Familiarizing yourself with the shape, texture and size of your breasts is important so that you can identify cases of abnormality. It is only by identifying abnormality that you can inform your doctor in good time. Self examination is best carried out immediately after your menstrual cycle. It helps you avoid the deception caused by hormonal changes.
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 exam involves both visual observation and touching. You are advised to stand in front of a mirror and observe such aspects as the size, shape and symmetry. Check if these aspects have changed from the last time you examined. Check for dimpling, puckering, inverted nipples and the existence of asymmetrical ridges at the bottom.
To get the best results, carry out the examination three times with the hands placed in different positions. These positions are over the head, on the side and with each breast lifted. Avoid using the tips of your fingers. Instead, use several fingers while lying down and massage with the pad of your fingers. The procedure is then repeated using water and soap in the shower. It makes the fingers smooth enough to spot even the smallest lump.
The massage should be conducted in a spiral pattern. Pay attention to every move and touch ensuring that you take your time to feel every part. Begin from the nipple towards the collarbone, breastbone and finally the armpits. This allows you to cover all the tissues. The other hand is usually placed over the head. Squeeze both nipples and check if there is 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.
Many women undergo unnecessary biopsies on their breasts because of non-cancerous tumors. The surgical removal of tissues may lead to fatal bleeding or cause infections. This is unnecessary exposure considering that most of these tumors are non-cancerous.
The presence of a lump should not cause panic. There are numerous non-cancerous tumors affecting different tissues that should not worry you. Some are caused by hormonal changes and will therefore disappear. This does not mean that you should ignore abnormalities or lumps. You are advised to see a doctor for professional examination and recommendation.
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