Breast Exam Specialist in Austell, GA

The first step is inspection. Stand tall and look for any changes in your breasts. This could be in size, shape, color, or symmetry. Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, or scaliness are also important to note. Raising your arms above your head can offer a different perspective and help identify any abnormalities.

Next is the nipple examination. Carefully observe for any fluid discharge from your nipples. This could range from watery to milky, yellow fluid, or even blood. Gentle pressure on the nipple can help in detecting any pain or shape changes.

Following visual inspection, proceed to the palpation. Lying down can assist in evenly spreading the breast tissue. Using the pads of your fingers, move in a circular pattern from the outside to the center of your breast. This examination should cover the entire breast area. During palpation, also perform compression. Gently press the breast tissue towards your chest wall to identify any lumps, thickening, or tenderness. Lastly, repeat the palpation and compression in different positions for comprehensive coverage.

For women with average risk, that is, no significant family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that women should have the option to start annual breast exams at age 40 and should start no later than age 45. From age 55 onwards, they can continue yearly or transition to screening every two years.

However, understand that some women are at a higher risk. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, certain genetic factors, or other high-risk features may need to begin screening at a younger age and may need additional testing beyond mammography.

While breast exams are generally not recommended for young women under the age of 25, some experts recommend that women begin performing monthly breast self-exams in their 20s.

Regular breast examinations are crucial for detecting changes like lumps, thickening, pain, or nipple discharge, which may not necessarily indicate cancer but may necessitate further investigation to rule out underlying health issues.

The examination is conducted in a private room, prioritizing patient comfort and privacy. Healthcare providers visually inspect breasts in various positions, assessing size, shape, and symmetry, and examining for skin or nipple changes.

The next step involves palpation, where providers gently feel the entire breast and underarm area to assess texture and firmness, ensuring no area is missed during the examination, and palpating lymph nodes in the armpits for enlargement or tenderness.

Our board-certified gynecologist also checks the nipples for any changes, secretions, or inversion, and may gently squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge.

Clinical breast exams play a vital role in the early detection of breast cancer and other breast-related concerns. If any abnormalities are found during the exam, it is best to perform further tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound.

Regular breast exams play a vital role in the early detection of breast cancer and other breast-related conditions. At our practice, our board-certified gynecologists are here to guide you through the process, discuss your personal risk factors and provide advice on the suitable set-up schedule for you.

• Self-Examinations: Women aged 20 or above perform a breast self-exam at least once a month. This involves checking your breasts for any abnormalities such as lumps, or changes in size, shape, or skin texture.

• Clinical Breast Exams: We recommend these exams for women between 25 and 40 every one to three years. These exams allow us to detect abnormalities that you might miss during a self-examination.

For women in their 50s and 60s with average risk, it is recommended to have these exams every one to two years. However, women with increased risk due to personal or family history of breast cancer might require more frequent exams.

• Mammograms: Mammograms and X-rays are designed to examine breast tissue and is the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms are recommended for women aged 40-49 every one to two years and for those aged 50 and older annually. Women with increased risk factors may require more frequent mammograms.

A mammogram, which is a specific type of X-ray imaging, is used to detect cancer early before symptoms begin to occur. This early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. This screening test is recommended for women above the age of 40, or younger women with a higher risk of breast cancer

Breast exams, or clinical breast exams, are physical examinations of each breast for lumps or other physical changes that may indicate the presence of cancer. This test is recommended for women of all ages and can be practiced at home for self-monitoring.

Cobb Women’s Health recommends mammograms for women over 40 with no symptoms and self-performed breast exams. For those with symptoms, a breast exam is conducted to assess the cause and may recommend a mammogram or ultrasound based on the findings. We encourage everyone to visit us online today to learn more about our services and to sign up for our special offers – you will be glad you did! We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Douglasville GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, and Marietta GA.