University Of Malaya Medical Centre

CLINICAL EXAMINATION (9)

Step 1: Look

Stand in front of a mirror and check your breast shape, skin, nipples and vein pattern.
Look at 3 different positions

1. Arms by your side.
2. Arms raised above your head bending forward.
3. Place hands on hips and hunch over.
Step 2: Feel

Feel your breast using a firm smooth touch with the first few fingers keeping flat together. Cover the entire breast, follow a pattern so that you cover the whole breast.
Feel either lying or standing

You can feel your breast while lying down. Many women find the easiest way to feel their breast is while showering.
If you notice a lump or unusual change

Do not panic. See your doctor promptly for further evaluation.

Breast ultrasound is used to screen for presence of any breast abnormalities. Ultrasound don’t use radiation, hence it is safe for pregnant women. It is recommended as the initial imaging tool for women younger than 35 years old. (8)
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. It can be used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Importantly, it can act both as a screening tool (for women who don’t have breast symptoms) and a diagnostic tool (for women who have breast symptoms). In fact, for symptomatic women above 35 years old, combined mammography and ultrasound can improve the breast cancer detection.
(8)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is also used to detect breast abnormalities. It is only used in specific clinical situations. For example, it might be used to evaluate the extent of breast cancer.(8, 10)