Breast Self Examination for Lumps

At some point in a woman’s life they are sure to experience pain the breasts. Any sign of pain in the breast does not mean that it requires medical attention. Understanding the type of pain is important. Lots of women experience tenderness in the breast before their periods and this is normal. Early pregnancy may also cause tenderness in the breasts as there is water retention and retention of salts in the body. Pain in the breasts is also common when women are lactating or if there has been any surgery in the area.

It is important, however, to do manual self examinations of the breast after the age of thirty five. To do this, you should stand in front of the mirror without your clothes. With your palm, feel all around the breast for any lump or pain, or any nodes. Allow the fingers to move around carefully and also check under the armpit. Repeat this process on both breasts and under both armpits. It is good to visit a gynaecologist every six months as she too would check for any lumps that you might have missed.

More distinct pain that requires immediate attention is if it persists at one spot, or if there is blood discharge from the nipples, or extremely tender nipples.

If a lump is noticed, it needs to be checked. A biopsy would be done to check if it is malignant or benign. This is a relatively simple procedure ad a small part of that tissue is sent for examination. If it is malignant, a mastectomy would be advised. In this either you would need to improve the entire breast or a part of it. The surgery would definitely follow radiation and chemotherapy. It is good to know that breast cancer is the most curable of all cancers and that is why women are advised to regularly take these manual self checks around the breasts.

Sometimes children from the age of ten experience pain around the nipple and also tenderness when it is touched. This is not anything to worry about. It is a process whereby the breast development is taking place and it needs to medication or special care. It is a part of growing up.