BREASTS ASSESSMENT
Assessment Activity
Helpful Tips on Techniques
Students Notes on Technique
and Findings
Breasts
Inspect and Palpate
Size
common to have a slight asymmetry
in size; often the left breast is slightly
larger than the right.
Breasts symmetric when sitting
Symmetry
Contour
Breast contour and consistency firm
and homogeneous
skin normally is smooth and of even
color
Color
Texture
Superficial Venous Pattern
fine blue vascular network is visible
normally during pregnancy
areola is flush with the breast
contour
cancer causes fibrosis in the
mammary ducts, which pulls the
nipple angle toward it
ask her to lift her arms slowly over her
head. Both breasts should move up
symmetrically
ask her to push her hands onto her
hips and to push her two palms
together– dimpling/pucker=skin
retraction
Note any dry scaling, fissure or
ulceration, and bleeding or other
discharge.
note any skin lesions or focal
vascular pattern
Areola
Nipple Deviation
Nipple Retraction
Dimpling
Discharge
Lesions
Breast Self-Exam OR Testicular Self-Exam: Teach patient how to do self-exam
BSE
TSE
Will complete this portion of
breast exam for either female or
male patient. Verbalize
expected normal findings for
these items.
Assessment Activity
Observe pt’s arms at side,
arms over head, arms
pushing in at hips, pushing
hands together at chest level
& leaning forward to assess
for pulling and retractions.
Performs breast exam while
lying down using triple touch
technique, vertical strip
method to assess for masses.
Teach frequency of BSE
Teach when to contact
Primary Care Provider
Helpful Tips on Techniques
Teach pt to do exam while in
shower, standing; warm
water relaxes scrotal sac
Performs the testicular exam
by rolling the testicle
between thumb and first two
fingers to assess for masses.
Teach frequency of TSE
Teach when to contact
Primary Care Provider
Demonstrate exams on breast or
testicular model.
Students Notes on Technique
and Findings
Will teach TSE if pt is male.
Will teach BSE if pt is female.