How doctors detect breast cancer?
It is possible to feel 90 to 95 percent of breast tumors.Deciding about the nature of the tumor can be another
matter. In about two-thirds of patients it is possible, by
feel alone, to make a fairly accurate diagnosis of an
innocent breast cyst on the one hand or of a definite
cancer on the other. In all instances the nature of the
lump can be exactly determined only by taking it out
in an operation and having it examined under a microscope.
This is not to say that all breast lumps have to be
removed. The examiner may be so certain that it is a
breast cyst that he may recommend initial observation
and removal only if it persists.
Breast cancer test at home
Do you approve of women examining their own breasts?
Yes, indeed. It is an excellent form of self-evaluation.
The woman who does this regularly, say, seven days
before and seven days after her period, will be able to
feel the difference when something new appears. Do not
get hysterical and assume the worst. It is often a matter
of being more frightened than sick. When you do feel
something abnormal, make an appointment to see a
physician. All doctors understand the anxiety that is
associated with the patient's own finding. Often the socalled
lump is part of the normal breast or chest wall or
a cyst.
How is self breast examination done?
You should be shown how to do this. Any physician
will gladly demonstrate it. The technique requires systematic
examination of each sector of the breast with the
flat of the hand. This should be done in both the lyingdown
and sitting-up positions. The base of the nipple
should be squeezed to see if there is a discharge. The
normal breast can sometimes be made to exude a greenishyellow
fluid through the nipple. If the discharge is bloody,
further evaluation will certainly be necessary.
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