Breast Examination
NU609 Advanced Health Assessment Assignments Unit 7 Discussion
Breast Exams
A 32-year-old female presents for an evaluation of a lump in her right breast that she found on breast self-examination. The lump is found to be 2cm in size, firm, and mobile. No Adenopothy noted.
What are two questions you would ask this patient?
What are two risk factors would you want to assess for?
Your response should include evidence of review of the course material, websites, and literature through proper citations using APA format.
MORE INFO
Breast Examination
Introduction
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and early detection can reduce your risk. A breast self-exam is an easy way to check for any potential changes in your breasts that may be related to breast cancer. The following checklist will help you perform a monthly self-exam:
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives.
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer. It can be deadly if it’s not detected early, but you can take steps to help prevent breast cancer from developing in the first place.
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Early detection is the best way to save lives
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Early detection of breast cancer helps people live longer, healthier lives and reduce their chances of dying from other diseases related to their condition
Women should perform a breast self-exam once per month, beginning at the age of 20.
Women should perform a breast self-exam once per month, beginning at the age of 20. This exam should be performed in the same location and at the same time every month. To properly perform this exam, you’ll need to be familiar with your breasts before starting it. Make sure both breasts are accessible so that you can get an accurate measurement of each one; this will help ensure that your results are accurate and consistent each time you do them! It’s also important not to wear any sort of clothing over top of these areas when doing this checkup—it can make it more difficult for doctors or nurses who may need access later on during treatment processes (like mammograms).
During the exam, women should feel for any changes in their breasts.
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During the exam, women should feel for any changes in their breasts. Changes may include lumps, nipple discharge or retraction, skin dimpling, or unusual swelling.
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Women should do a breast self-exam once per month by gently pressing on each breast and around their areolae (the dark colored skin surrounding the nipples).
Changes include lumps, nipple discharge or retraction, skin dimpling, or unusual swelling.
Changes include lumps, nipple discharge or retraction, skin dimpling, or unusual swelling.
If you have breast cancer:
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Lumps are a sign of breast cancer. They can be felt under the skin or under a bra strap. If you have pain in your breastbone (sternum), only one side will hurt and it may feel tender to touch; this is called ache in the affected area. The lump itself may be hard or soft when pressed with your fingers and range in size from small to large—but they shouldn’t be bigger than 1 cm (about 3/4 inch).
Contact your doctor if you detect any of these changes.
If you are concerned about changes in your breasts, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. If they don’t seem to be addressing the issue, it may be time for a second opinion. Your doctor will also want to know if there is anything else that needs medical attention and what resources are available in your area if needed (e.g., a breast cancer center).
Women over 40 should receive a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over 40 receive a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it’s more treatable. They can also detect lumps or changes in your breasts that may signal a problem before they become serious.
Mammograms are safe and effective, even if you don’t have any symptoms of breast disease (like pain or itching). They won’t hurt—and even if you do feel some discomfort or pressure during your examination, it’s likely nothing more than mild discomfort from the images being taken very close to the skin surface of your breasts by an X-ray machine.
Women can use this checklist to ensure they are doing their monthly breast self-exams correctly.
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Do a self-exam once per month.
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Begin at the age of 20 and continue until age 50.
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Feel for any changes in your breasts, such as lumps or changes in nipple discharge or retraction, skin dimpling or swelling.
Conclusion
We hope this checklist will help you perform your monthly breast self-exam correctly. Remember that it’s important to check in with your doctor if any changes occur, as they may be symptoms of breast cancer. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to contact a professional immediately.
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