What to Expect During a Clinical Breast Examination
Taking charge of your breast health begins with understanding the steps involved in diagnosing breast issues. From initial screenings to detailed tests, every step plays a crucial role in ensuring timely and accurate identification of any concerns.
Among the key procedures is the clinical breast examination, a simple yet essential method for assessing breast health. This article explores the diagnostic process, what to expect during each step and how these efforts work to protect women’s health.
Who Should Undergo a Breast Health Checkup
Regular breast health checkups are vital for all women, but some groups may require more frequent attention. Those who should prioritise these examinations include:
- Women over the age of 40, as they are at a higher risk of developing breast conditions, including cancer
- Individuals with a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Women experiencing symptoms such as pain, tenderness or noticeable changes in the size or texture of their breasts
For these groups, a combination of a physical breast exam, imaging techniques and other diagnostic tools provides the most thorough approach to breast care.
What Happens During a Breast Exam
Steps of Breast Examination
1. Physical Breast Exam: During this procedure, our breast surgeon, Dr Andrew Lee, visually inspects the breasts for abnormalities, such as changes in size, shape or skin texture. He carefully examines the breast tissue and lymph nodes for any lumps or thickening.
2. Imaging Tests: If needed, mammograms or ultrasounds are used to provide detailed views of the internal breast tissue. These tools are helpful for breast lump detection or assessing dense breast tissue.
3. Biopsy: If a lump or other abnormality is found, a biopsy may be performed to collect a sample of tissue for further analysis. This step is critical in confirming or ruling out breast cancer diagnosis.
Understanding the steps of breast examination helps demystify the process and ensures you are better prepared for necessary procedures. Each step is designed to provide valuable insights into your breast health and guide the next stages of care.
Key Benefits of Breast Examination
Undergoing a regular clinical breast examination offers numerous advantages, both for early detection and overall breast health. These examinations are critical in identifying potential issues early and ensuring effective breast care.
One key benefit is the ability to detect abnormalities in their earliest stages. Early identification means treatment options can be less invasive, more successful and tailored to your needs.
Beyond identifying serious conditions like breast cancer, breast examinations also:
- Help differentiate between benign conditions and those requiring intervention
- Offer reassurance when results confirm normal breast health
- Create opportunities for personalised care plans based on individual findings
How Do Mammograms and Ultrasounds Work Together in Breast Cancer Screening
While mammograms are the standard for breast cancer screening, they may not be sufficient for all women, particularly those with dense breasts. In these cases, breast ultrasound offers additional insight, enhancing the ability to detect potential problems. For example, a mammogram might not distinguish between a dense mass and a tumour, but an ultrasound for dense breast tissue can provide a more accurate analysis.
For women with high breast cancer risk or those experiencing symptoms, the combination of both screening methods increases the likelihood of detecting breast cancer early. Mammograms and breast ultrasound provides a comprehensive approach to breast health diagnostics, ensuring that potential issues are identified and evaluated more thoroughly.
When Should You Schedule Your Breast Cancer Screening
For women with average risk, regular screenings begin at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or carry gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, you may be advised to begin screenings earlier, potentially starting in your 30s.
If you have dense breast tissue, it is essential to discuss additional screening methods, such as breast ultrasound, with our breast surgeon. Regular mammograms, followed by ultrasounds when necessary, provide a good chance of early detection. If you’re unsure about the right screening schedule for you, speak with our breast surgeon, Dr Andrew Lee, to create a tailored plan that considers your unique risk factors.
Dr Andrew Lee
BREAST SPECIALIST & SURGEON
MB ChB MSc MS MD FRCSEd FAMS
- Over 15 years of medical experience
- Breast surgeon with a subspeciality in oncoplastic breast surgery
- Obtained Master of Surgery degree (MS) in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery from the University of East Anglia, England
- Received the Singapore Health Quality Service Award (Star) and the Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award (Gold & Silver) for quality patient care.
- Specialised interests in breast cancer treatment, including cryoablation electrotherapy and intraoperative radiotherapy.
Understanding the Diagnostic Approach to Breast Concerns
Dr Andrew Lee uses a multi-faceted approach to pinpoint the cause of breast concerns.
Here’s how the process unfolds:
- Medical History Review: Before any test, our breast surgeon will ask about your personal and family medical history, paying close attention to breast health concerns.
- Breast Exam: During a physical exam, our doctor checks for visible signs of abnormalities, such as swelling, dimpling or nipple discharge and conduct a thorough palpation to identify lumps or irregularities.
- Imaging and Testing: If the physical exam raises concerns, our breast surgeon may order imaging tests like mammograms or ultrasounds. For cases that require more detailed investigation, MRIs or biopsies may be conducted to provide conclusive results.
- Analysis and Diagnosis: Once all necessary tests are completed, the results are analysed to determine whether further action is needed. Our breast surgeon will explain the findings and recommend a course of action tailored to your specific needs.
Guidelines for Scheduling Breast Health Exams
Knowing when to start regular screenings is key to proactive breast care. Regular screenings should begin at age 40 for women with average risk or earlier for those with significant risk factors.
- If you have no family history of breast cancer: We recommend starting annual or biennial screenings from age 40 to stay proactive about your health.
- If you have dense breast tissue: Combining mammograms with ultrasounds can provide clearer results for peace of mind.
- If you have genetic risks or a history of breast conditions: Our breast surgeon is here to create a personalised screening plan for you.
Correct breast screening preparation ensures you’re ready for these important appointments. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid applying lotions, deodorants or powders on the day of the exam to prevent interference with imaging results. By staying consistent with screenings, you can prioritise early detection and reduce the risk of advanced breast issues.
Proactive Breast Care for a Healthier Future
Understanding the steps involved in diagnosis empowers women to take control of their health. From the initial clinical breast examination to imaging and biopsies, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and timely detection
At the International Specialists Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive support for all your breast health needs. Our comprehensive services begins in early detection, proper diagnosis and compassionate care, tailored to safeguard your breast health.
Don’t wait to address your breast health concerns. Dr Andrew Lee and the team at ISC are here to provide expert guidance and personalised care at every stage.