A clinical breast examination (CBE) is a thorough examination of the breast and the underarm area by trained healthcare professional to check for abnormalities.
Why a CBE is done
A CBE may be done if a woman finds a lump or change in her breasts. It may also be done as part of a woman’s regular physical examination.
Men who find a lump or a change in their breasts should also have a CBE.
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How a CBE is done
There is usually no special preparation for a CBE. The woman removes her clothing from the waist up. A sheet or gown covers her while she is on the examination table.
First, the healthcare professional looks at the breasts. This should be done with the person sitting, and then when she or he is lying down. The healthcare professional looks for:
- changes or differences in the shape of the breasts
- areas of fullness or thickness in only one breast
- differences in skin colour, temperature and texture in the breasts, such as redness, increased warmth or dimpling of the skin
- rashes
- visible lumps or swelling
- nipple discharge (fluid leaking from the nipple)
- nipple changes, such as pointing inward (inverted) or scaling – especially if these are new
Then, the healthcare professional feels (palpates) the breast and the nipple. This is done with the woman lying down, which flattens the breast tissue over the chest wall. The entire breast area is carefully examined using the fingers. The breast extends from the middle of the chest, into the armpit and up towards the collarbone. The entire area should be examined.
The healthcare professional feels for:
- lumps, including their size, shape and whether or not they move within the tissue
- hardening or thickening in the breast tissue
- tenderness or pain
The lymph nodes are also examined. This may be done while the woman or man is sitting or lying down. The healthcare professional feels the lymph nodes in the:
- underarm area or armpit (axilla)
- area above and below the collarbone
The same CBE technique is used for women with breast implants.
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What happens if a change or abnormality is found
The healthcare professional will discuss the findings of the CBE with you and suggest if further tests are needed or not. Some tests that might be done (even if no change or abnormality is found during CBE) include:
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