A breast self-examination (BSE) is a personal practice where individuals examine their own breasts to become familiar with their typical look and feel. This helps identify any changes or abnormalities over time. The purpose of a BSE is to understand one’s normal breast consistency and appearance, making it easier to notice when something is different. This self-check is a tool for personal familiarity, not a definitive diagnostic method.
Physical Changes You Might Detect
During a breast self-examination, individuals might detect various physical changes. One common finding is a lump or mass, which can vary in texture from hard and fixed to soft and movable. A general thickening inside the breast or armpit area should also be noted.
Skin changes on the breast are also indicators to observe. These can include dimpling or puckering of the skin, which might resemble an orange peel. Other skin alterations could manifest as redness, warmth, scaling, or a noticeable thickening. Observing the nipples for changes is another important part of the examination, such as discharge, a nipple that has suddenly turned inward (inverted), soreness, scaling, or persistent redness.
Any noticeable changes in the overall size or shape of one breast, such as a sudden increase or visible distortion, should be noted. While slight asymmetry between breasts is common, a new or significant difference can be a sign of underlying changes. Persistent or localized pain or tenderness in a specific area of the breast, especially if it does not fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, is another sign to observe.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Detecting any changes during a breast self-examination warrants prompt consultation with a healthcare professional. Finding a change does not automatically indicate cancer, as many breast changes are benign. However, any new lump, thickening, or other breast alteration that persists beyond a menstrual cycle, or any existing lump that grows or changes shape, should be evaluated.
Healthcare providers will likely perform a clinical breast exam to further assess the area of concern. They may also order additional diagnostic tests, such as a mammogram or an ultrasound, for a more detailed view of the breast tissue. In some instances, a biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis, may be necessary to determine the nature of the change. Seeking timely medical evaluation is important, as early detection of any breast abnormality can lead to better outcomes.
Comprehensive Breast Health Screening
Beyond breast self-examinations, a comprehensive approach to breast health includes professional screenings performed by healthcare providers. Clinical breast exams (CBEs) are physical examinations conducted by a doctor or nurse who manually checks the breasts and underarm areas for any abnormalities. These exams allow the healthcare provider to address specific concerns and provide guidance on breast self-awareness.
Mammograms, specialized X-ray exams of the breast, are an important part of professional breast health screening. They are highly effective in detecting breast changes too small to be felt during a physical examination. For individuals with dense breast tissue or those at higher risk, additional imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI might be recommended. Breast self-examinations are complementary tools for personal awareness and do not replace the need for regular clinical breast exams and mammograms, which have guidelines based on age and individual risk factors.