Clinical Breast Examination

Breast Examination, Clinical

Results

A clinical breast examination (CBE) is a physical examination of the breast done by a health professional. Findings of a clinical breast examination may include the following.

Clinical breast examination

Normal:	The nipples, breast tissue, and areas around the breast look normal and are normal in size and shape. One breast may be slightly larger than the other.
	A small area of firm tissue may be present in the lower curve of the breast below the nipple.
	Tenderness or lumpiness that occurs in both breasts is normal for many women. Many women have the same lumpiness or thickening in both breasts during the menstrual cycle.
	A clear or milky discharge (galactorrhea) may be present when the nipple is squeezed. This may be caused by nursing, breast stimulation, hormones, or some other normal cause.
Abnormal:	A firm lump or area of thickening may be present in one of your breasts.
	Changes in the color or feel of your breast or nipple may be present. This can include wrinkling, dimpling, thickening, or puckering or an area that feels grainy, stringy, or thickened.
	A nipple may sink into the breast. A red, scaly rash or sore may be found on the nipple.
	Redness or warmth over a painful lump or over an entire breast may be present. This may be caused by an infection (abscess or mastitis) or cancer.
	A bloody or milky discharge (galactorrhea) may occur without stimulation (spontaneous).

If a breast problem is found, the next step depends on the problem.

• Cyclic breast pain, fibrocystic changes, or cysts may just be rechecked to see if they change or go away on their own. Cysts may also be checked by ultrasound or drained with a needle (aspirated) to make sure they are cysts and to help relieve pain.
• A mammogram or ultrasound may be needed if a lump is found. Breast tissue may be taken out with a needle (needle aspiration or core biopsy) or through a small cut (biopsy) to be looked at under the microscope.
• Nipple discharge, especially if it is spontaneous or bloody, may be looked at under a microscope for unusual cells.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 17, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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