mercredi 21 janvier 2015

How To Conduct Self Breast Exam San Diego CA

By Karyn Shields


Tumors, cysts and other breast abnormalities should be spotted early so that treatment can commence. Self breast exam San Diego CA is one way of detecting such abnormalities. With the help of a medical professional, you can identify a cancerous lump from one that is not. This should not be a replacement of regular mammograms according to medical experts.

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.

Women who do not menstruate are advised to select a random date within the month to examine their breasts. For the procedure to be successful, you should keep a journal. The journal helps you to track changes and identify what is consistent. By recording your findings, you have reliable evidence to give 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.

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.

Adopt a spiral pattern when massaging the breasts. Be attentive and take your time to massage from the nipple. You should move up towards the collarbone, the center around the breastbone and towards the armpits. The arm that is not massaging should be placed on the head. The last procedure is to squeeze the nipples and check if there is a discharge.

Does self examination come with any risks? The risks associated with self exams are not of a medical nature. Doctors have warned against the anxiety that grips a woman upon discovering a lump. While between 80-90 percent of lumps are not cancerous, they cause women to panic. Some result from harmless conditions like fibrocystic disease of the breasts.

Medical doctors have associated self examination with increasing cases of unnecessary biopsies on breasts. These are procedures that involve surgical removal of certain tissues. Considering that most lumps are not cancerous, many women are exposed to extra procedures that expose them to complications like bleeding and infections.

What should I do if I have a lump? A lot of lumps or tumors are non-cancerous. They occur on tissues due to hormonal changes and other biological processes. Some even disappear within a short time and reappear during the next cycle. However, in case of a lump, notify your doctor who will examine you and provide the right medical recommendation.




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