Breast examination

Question 1

What are the steps of a breast examination?

Answer 1

Inspection

Palpation

Question 2

What positions should you inspect the breast in?

Answer 2

Arms by side
Hands behind head with shoulders pushed forwards
Hands on hips and push inwards

Question 3

What should you look for in inspection?

Answer 3

Symmetry in contours of breast
Tethering 
Dimpling of skin
Visible masses
Erythema +/- abnormal scaling
Nipple retraction

Question 4

What position should you palpate in?

Answer 4

At 45 degrees with arm behind head

Question 5

How do you palpate?

Answer 5

Divide breast into 4 quadrants plus axillary tail and nipple making small circular movements
Palpate axillary lymph nodes whilst supporting arm
Palpate nipple and inspect nipple discharge
Supraclavicular fossa for lymphadenopathy