Breast Exam

Lucina Women's Health Our Services Breast Exam

Lucina Women's Health

Minimally Invasive Surgery & OBGYNs located in Boca Raton, FL & Boynton Beach, FL

Did you know that a breast exam can prompt awareness about an abnormality, which can lead to early detection and, therefore, treatment? The Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery team in Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Wellington, and Boynton Beach, Florida, provides breast exams and guides you on how to perform them by yourself. They promote breast health with compassion and care. You can book an appointment today by phone or online.

Breast Exam Q&A

What are breast exams?

Breast exams are essential procedures used to assess the health of your breasts, aiming to detect any abnormalities or changes that may indicate the presence of breast cancer or other conditions. 

Your Lucina Women’s Health and Midwifery provider performs these exams during your clinical visits. You can also perform them on yourself through self-examination.

What do breast exams involve?

Breast exams typically involve visual inspection and manual palpation of your breasts and the surrounding areas. 

 

During your clinical breast exam, your Lucina Women’s Health and Midwifery provider asks you to disrobe from the waist up and lie down or sit up while they check for any visible changes in your breast size, shape, or skin texture. Your provider then uses their hands to carefully feel for any lumps, masses, or areas of tenderness in your breasts and underarm regions.

What am I trying to see or feel when performing breast exams on myself?

When performing a breast exam on yourself, try to observe and feel for various signs and symptoms that may indicate a potential problem. This process includes looking for:

 

  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Alterations in skin texture (such as dimpling or puckering)
  • Redness or warmth of skin
  • Discharge from your nipples

 

During manual palpation, feel for any lumps, bumps, or areas of thickening in your breast tissue or armpit area.

While breast exams, both clinical and self-exams, are valuable tools for early detection, they’re not foolproof. 

How accurate are breast exams for detecting abnormalities?

The accuracy of breast exams for detecting abnormalities varies depending on factors, such as breast density and the size and location of any abnormalities. 

While mammograms and other imaging tests are more sensitive and specific for detecting breast cancer, breast exams remain an important component of early detection efforts. They provide an opportunity for you to become familiar with your breasts and to promptly report any changes or concerns to your provider, leading to further evaluation and appropriate management. 

Regular breast exams, in conjunction with other screening methods, play a vital role in maintaining your breast health and detecting potential issues in the early stages.

 

Call Lucina Women’s Health and Midwifery today to schedule a breast exam, or use the online scheduler when you’re ready.

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