Getting your breasts checked for signs of cancer does not need to be a painful experience. While some discomfort may occur during parts of the exam, overall it should not be severely painful. Knowing what to expect and working with an experienced doctor can help minimize any discomfort.
What is a breast exam?
A breast exam involves visually inspecting the breasts for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry, feeling (palpating) the breasts and underarm area for lumps, and checking the skin for puckering, dimpling, or redness. The main goal is to identify any abnormal lumps or bumps that could potentially indicate breast cancer.
There are two main types of breast exams:
- Clinical breast exam – Performed by a doctor during a routine check-up. The doctor will visually inspect and palpate the breasts while the woman is sitting up and lying down.
- Self breast exam – Something each woman can do on her own every month to check for changes. Lying down and using the pads of the fingers to check the entire breast in a circular motion.
What to expect during a clinical breast exam
During a clinical breast exam performed by your doctor, they will follow this general process:
- Visual inspection – Looking at the breasts for any changes while you sit with your arms at your sides and again with your arms over your head. The doctor checks for asymmetric breasts, dimpling, or changes in the skin or nipples.
- Palpation while lying down – Lying flat, the doctor will palpate the breast tissue with the pads of their fingers in a circular motion starting from the collarbone area and moving toward the center of the chest wall. They will palpate the entire breast, including near the armpit.
- Palpation while sitting up – Sitting upright, the doctor repeats the palpation process to feel the breast tissue while gravity causes it to fall differently.
- Checking lymph nodes – The doctor will also check the lymph nodes under your armpit and above the collarbones for any enlargement, tenderness, or lumps.
Does a breast exam hurt?
For most women, a breast exam should not cause severe pain. Discomfort ranges from minor to moderate. Here is an overview of the potential causes of discomfort:
- Compression – Having your breast tissue compressed between the doctor’s fingers can cause mild discomfort. They need to press firmly in order to feel deep within the tissue.
- Tender breasts – Breast tenderness from PMS or menstruation can make the breast exam more uncomfortable. Tell your doctor if your breasts are tender so they can be gentler.
- Scar tissue – Women with past breast surgery or biopsies may experience more discomfort during the exam due to scar tissue buildup.
- Capsular contracture – Women who have had breast implants can develop capsular contracture, which is scar tissue tightening around the implant. This causes breasts to become firm and the exam to be more painful.
Tips for minimizing discomfort
While some minor discomfort may be unavoidable, the following tips can help make a breast exam as comfortable as possible:
- Schedule the exam when your breasts are least tender, like right after your period ends.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen an hour before the appointment.
- Tell your doctor about pain or tenderness before they examine your breasts so they can be gentler.
- Breathe deeply and relax your muscles during the exam.
- Have your doctor explain what they are doing as they do it so you know what to expect.
- Speak up if you need them to lighten the pressure or avoid an area.
- Ask for a break during the exam if needed.
When to contact your doctor
While some minor pain and poking is normal during a breast exam, you should inform your doctor right away if you experience:
- Severe or throbbing pain
- Excruciating tenderness preventing the exam
- Burning sensations or numbness
- Extreme redness or bruising
- Bleeding from the nipple
Experiencing severe pain could indicate an underlying problem needing further evaluation. Contact your doctor promptly to discuss severe symptoms.
The takeaway
Undergoing breast exams is crucial for detecting potential signs of breast cancer early. Despite some minor discomfort, the procedure should not be severely painful. Being aware of what to expect and communicating with your doctor can help make it as comfortable as possible. Stay vigilant about any symptoms after the exam as well and report concerns promptly.