Aside from the usual clockwise motion of conducting a self-breast examination, another physical examination can do the trick as well. The self-breast examination wedge formation is equivocally as effective as the standard clockwise motion of checking oneÕs breast.
HereÕs how it works:
>> Affixing the right hand behind the head, the left hand will examine the right breast.
>> Visualize that the breast is a pie segmented into wedges.
>> At approximately, a half-inch underneath the collarbone, start the top of the circle.
>> Employ the pads of the index, middle and ring finger to examine breasts.
>> In a slight circular motion, apply firm pressure while massaging inward toward the direction of the nipple.
>> As soon as the first wedge of the breast has been thoroughly examined move clockwise to the next wedge of the circle.
>> The entire process should be repeated until the entire breast has been examined (including areas surrounding the breast and underarm). Then conduct the same exercise on the left breast.
For some women, the wedge pattern may be a little confusing. As an alternate to the wedge formation (massaging in a circular motion) a sweeping technique may be prove a little easier. In this self-breast examination alternative, the same three middle fingers will do all the work. Starting almost two inches below the collarbone, use fingers to sweep from the collarbone to the nipple.
Motions should be conducted in a direction with fingers from the outside of the breast toward the nipple. For a deepen evaluation of tissues, repeat the same movements but instead move fingers in a walking motion. Repeat the same motion on the other breast. Do not forget to look for any lymph nodes under each arm.
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