Breast Exams Specialist

What are breast exams?

Breast exams are a vital screening measure that can help identify abnormalities in your breast tissue.

You should be examining your breasts regularly at home for lumps or other changes in your breasts. If you're not sure how to do this, the Miami Women's Health Associates team can show you.

Breast exams are also a key part of your annual well-woman exam, but if you have concerns about any breast problems, you should see your OB/GYN as soon as possible.

The best time to have or perform a breast exam is just after your period. This is because benign (noncancerous) lesions tend to become larger and more painful before your period, making it harder to tell what kind of lump you have.

Why are breast exams important?

Breast exams are important because breast cancer is still a leading cause of death. Around 1 in 8 women in the United States are at risk of developing the disease, and lung cancer is the only type of cancer that kills more women each year.

The early detection of breast cancer increases your chances of survival and of avoiding mastectomy (removal of the breast). Self-examination and manual breast exams with your OB/GYN at Miami Women's Health Associates, along with regular mammograms from the age of 40, form an effective way of screening for breast cancer.

What abnormalities can breast exams identify?

A comprehensive breast exam can identify many types of abnormalities, including:

• Changes in breast shape
• Changes in skin color
• Skin dimpling
• Texture changes
• Pulling in of the nipple
• Nipple discharge

These signs could be due to a variety of breast conditions, including mastitis (infection of the milk ducts) and abscesses. Lumps in the breast are most likely to be the result of a benign lesion, such as a cyst or a fibroadenoma, rather than breast cancer, but it's always best to make sure.

During your exam, your OB/GYN asks you to raise your arms and adopt other positions to help them see and feel even the smallest changes. They can tell a great deal from the shape and consistency of a lump, which helps determine the action that needs taking.

What other tests might I need after a breast exam?

Your OB/GYN might need to see the results of additional tests to identify the type of lump you have. Mammograms are one of the best tests for diagnosis as well as screening, or you might need to undergo a 3D mammogram, an ultrasound, or an MRI scan.

If you have concerns about a lump or other changes in your breasts, book an appointment online with Miami Women's Health Associates or call them today to schedule a consultation.