Breast Examination - Specialists and Information

During a breast examination, the doctor examines both breasts, the armpits, and the associated lymph nodes. This is done by palpation using the palms and fingers, either through self-examination or clinically by your doctor.

If you notice any changes in your breast tissue, discuss them with your doctor. The appropriate specialist for this is a gynecologist or a physician specializing in gynecology and obstetrics.

Early detection of breast cancer is the primary reason for having your breasts examined. Malignant changes in the tissue rarely cause pain.

Deep-seated lumps cannot be detected without targeted palpation and may grow undetected. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to any abnormalities you notice in your breasts. Detecting cancerous tumors at an early stage offers the best chance for a cure.

Tumors in breast tissue are often deceptive because they usually do not cause any symptoms for a long time. This makes regular checkups all the more important—both by you yourself and by your gynecologist.

In addition to the classic palpable lumps in the breast, there are other factors that are important to consider during an examination:

• Changes in breast size
• Persistent redness of the skin
• Discharge from the nipple
• A difference in the external shape of one breast compared to the other when raising both arms
• Recurring flaking of the skin
• Indentation of the nipple or breast skin at a single site
• Skin texture that resembles orange peel in some areas

The term “breast examination” is a collective term for various forms of examination.

The different methods primarily include:

1. Breast self-examination
2. Clinical examination by palpation performed by a specialist
3. Tactile breast examination performed by blind or visually impaired individuals
4. Mammography

• Self-examination

You perform a breast self-exam on yourself. Ideally, stand in front of a well-lit mirror and examine your bare breasts from several angles. Pay attention to any changes compared to your last self-exam.

Next, use the palm of your hand to feel your breasts one at a time. The goal is to detect changes in tissue, such as lumps or differences in color. Pay attention not only to your breasts and nipples, but also to your armpits and the areas around them.

Don’t be alarmed if you feel numerous dimples and bumps while palpating. These are often simply breast glandular tissue. With experience and regular practice, you’ll learn to tell the difference over time. Your gynecologist will be happy to explain the exact and detailed procedure for a self-exam.

A good time to perform a self-exam is between the third and seventh days after the start of your period. This is when your breasts show the least amount of tissue changes caused by hormones. Always examine your breasts at the same point in your cycle to have a meaningful basis for comparison.

A breast self-exam is a preventive screening that every woman should perform regularly @ Tatyana Gladskih /AdobeStock

• Clinical Examination

Your gynecologist performs the clinical examination. This physical examination is part of your annual preventive care checkup. Starting at age 30, your health insurance covers the costs. Your doctor examines both breasts, the armpits, and the axillary regions, and also checks the lymph nodes during the examination.

The examination includes a consultation regarding the results and instructions on how to perform a self-examination.

• Tactile Breast Examination

As part of breast cancer screening, tactile breast examinations—performed by blind or visually impaired individuals—are increasingly being offered. These individuals have a highly developed sense of touch. Through medical training, they have learned to detect even the smallest tissue changes deep within the breast. This allows them to detect minor changes at an early stage.

Ask your gynecologist about a clinical palpation exam. Many private health insurance plans cover the cost as part of their supplemental benefits.

• Mammography

A mammogram (Latin: mamma = female breast; Greek: graphein = to draw) is an X-ray examination of the breast. Doctors recommend it when a pathological process in the breast is suspected, especially when other procedures do not provide a clear diagnosis. 

In addition, women between the ages of 50 and 69 can undergo a mammogram as part of the free cancer screening program. The exam is voluntary. Mammograms are also used for follow-up care after surviving breast cancer.

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast and is one of the most important screening tests @ RFBSIP /AdobeStock

As a patient, there is nothing you need to be aware of in the period following a breast exam. Follow-up examinations apply exclusively to women who do not exhibit any further symptoms. If breast cancer is suspected, an immediate appointment for further examination is, of course, necessary.

There are no risks to you associated with a breast exam. On the contrary: risks arise primarily from avoiding preventive screenings with your gynecologist. Without a breast exam, doctors cannot detect a tumor in the tissue.

As with any X-ray examination, mammography carries a risk of damaging the genetic material in the cells. However, this risk is extremely low.

Breast self-examination is one of the most important aspects of breast cancer screening for women. If you examine your breasts yourself at regular intervals, you’re on the safe side when it comes to early detection. You’ll also be supported by your gynecologist through regular clinical examinations and mammograms.