WHAT SHOULD WOMEN EXPECT FROM A GOOD BREAST EXAM?
Doctor Steven R. Goldstein MD, a NYC Gyn has been in private practice for over 30 years. A a past Chairman of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), New York Section, Dr Goldstein draws on his decades of experience to share some of the things women can expect from a good breast exam. See below.
When I meet a patient for the first time, I meet her in my office when she is clothed, and not in the examining room when she is wearing a gown. This is a courtesy women once took for granted. Now you may have to request it. If it bothers you to meet your doctor for the first time in the examining room, dressed in a gown, say so when you make the appointment.
In my opinion, the questionnaire most doctors give their patients,
no matter how thorough, does not substitute for your doctor’s asking if you have any concerns or having his or her own list of questions. I take my intake history by pen and paper, listening and watching during the interview. I learn a lot that questionnaires geared for scanning into a computer don’t tell me. By the time I get to “do you smoke?” I can tell you what the answer will be with 99% accuracy.
Next the nurse will generally check your blood pressure, height and weight. You will usually be asked to provide a urine sample.
Dr Steven R. Goldstein, a leading Gynecologist in NYC goes on to say:
Most doctors begin their exam by examining your breasts. If you can time your appointment to the week after your period, when the tissue is least tender and lumpy, all the better. The worst time is the week before menstruation. Pressure on your breasts then can be uncomfortable.
I think it’s important to do the breast exam with the patient both lying and sitting. I get a much different picture from each position. I can’t tell you how often I have felt something in one position but not the other. Your doctor should spend at least a minute examining each breast, including the area around the nipples and armpits.
Where are the most lumps found? In the upper, outer quarter of the breast, close to the armpit? If you don’t do your own monthly exams, admit it. Women who don’t do them complain that they have no idea what they’re looking for or what they’re supposed to feel. Or they’re scared.
Doctors know that breast cancer is frightening issue for women. Your doctor can tell you what to look for and show you how to do a good exam. I’m never shocked to hear a woman tell me that she doesn’t examine herself because she doesn’t really want to know. If you’ve skimped on your breast exams, don’t allow your doctor to do so. Be reassured to know that the majority of lumps are benign fibrous tissue or fluid filled cysts.
Dr Goldstein, a NYC Gyn is a tenured Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York School of Medicine, and is a past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. He is one of America’s leading gynecologists.