Generality
The breast examination is a clinical examination of the breast carried out by the breast doctor or gynecologist. It is a painless assessment, carried out without the aid of special tools in the office of the specialized doctor.
During the breast examination, the evaluation also extends to the axillary cords (where suspicious lymph nodes may be found), the pits above and below the collarbone and the inframammary sulci.
The clinical examination of the breast is one of the fundamental steps in the prevention and treatment of pathological changes affecting the mammary gland.
The examination can be performed simply to obtain information on the characteristics of the breast. For this reason, it should be done once a year from 25-30 years of age.
Breast examination can also be performed in symptomatic women, to ascertain the presence or monitor the course of disorders affecting one or both breasts, such as nipple discharge, inflammatory and / or painful states.
The visit is also indicated in all cases in which nodular neoformations are evident or palpable during self-examination of the breast.
In case of suspected pathology or need for further investigation, the breast examination can be associated with other medical evaluations, such as a "breast ultrasound or mammography, useful in the characterization of benign lesions, such as cysts and fibroadenomas, and malignant tumors.
What's this?
The breast examination is a complete examination of the breast, not painful and carried out without the use of special instruments by the breast doctor or gynecologist.
The objective of this evaluation is to ascertain or exclude the presence of any pathologies affecting the breast.
In case of suspicious findings, the breast examination alone is generally not sufficient to formulate a diagnosis of breast cancer, but it is useful to frame the situation and establish the most appropriate diagnostic-therapeutic path for the case.
What is it for?
The breast examination is a very important examination, as it allows to check the possible presence of breast problems. This evaluation allows to highlight the presence of nodules, nipple secretions, inflammations or painful states affecting the breasts.
Patients with pathologies affecting the breasts who have already received a precise diagnosis can also undergo this examination, in order to monitor the course of the same conditions and the effectiveness of the treatment to which they have been subjected.
Together with other medical evaluations, the breast examination contributes to the early diagnosis of breast cancer and is indicated for women who have exceeded a certain age threshold in association with other preventive screenings.
How does it take place?
The breast examination is divided into two parts: in the first, the doctor collects as much information as possible on the patient's clinical history and lifestyle; in the second part the actual examination is performed, in which the doctor evaluates the breast through a careful observation and palpation activity.
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