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The ability to perform a thorough and accurate breast exam is an important skill for medical practitioners of many levels and across many specialties. A clinical breast exam is a key step in the diagnosis and surveillance of a number of benign and malignant breast diseases. When used as part of a multimodal evaluation, the breast exam provides important information that is utilized in both the workup and management of many diseases of the breast. Current recommendations for breast cancer screening intervals and tests vary; however, many guidelines agree that a clinical breast exam is warranted for women with abnormal findings on mammography and as part of annual screening for certain groups of women at increased risk for breast cancer. This activity reviews the current guidelines for the breast exam and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the detection of breast masses. Objectives: Describe the importance of performing a breast exam. Outline the current guidelines for breast examination by clinicians. Review how to perform a breast exam. Explain interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance detection of breast masses during physical exam and improve patient outcomes. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
The ability to perform a thorough and accurate breast exam is an important skill for medical practitioners of many levels and specialties. A clinical breast exam is a key step in the diagnosis and surveillance of several benign and malignant breast diseases. When used as part of a multimodal evaluation, the breast exam provides important information used in both the workup and management of many diseases of the breast. Current recommendations for breast cancer screening intervals and tests vary; however, many guidelines agree that a clinical breast exam is warranted for women with abnormal findings on mammography and as part of annual screening for certain groups of women at increased risk for breast cancer.[1]
Many clinicians may perform breast exams. However, it is important to understand that current guidelines do not recommend regular clinical breast exams for cancer screening for women in any risk group. However, the women should be educated on the importance of changes to the typical appearance and texture of their breasts and report any changes to their doctor right away.[11]