When to See Your Doctor
Most women assume that finding
a lump, or finding one that has changed from a prior examination, is the
only reason for seeing a doctor for a breast evaluation. But there are
other important findings which you should discuss with your doctor.
In addition to seeing your
doctor if there is a new lump or a change in a previous lump, be aware
of the following, other potential warning signs.
-
Change in breast size, shape,
symmetry or appearance – remember that most women do not have breasts
that are exactly alike, but that each breast remains essentially consistent
in these characteristics from month to month.
-
Change in the appearance
of the skin over breast tissue – for example, flattening, dimpling,
indentation, rippling, or scaling of the skin.
-
Change in the temperature
of the skin, usually a warm or hot spot.
-
Discharge from the nipple
– clear, straw-colored, dark or bloody.
-
Nipple itching, scaling,
burning, dimpling, or turning inward.
-
Persistent pain or tenderness
in the breast that is new.
-
Swelling under the arm.
Your own information can be
helpful to your doctor. If you keep a journal or drawings from your regular
monthly breast self exams, bring these with you to the doctor’s office.
The American Academcy
of Family Physicians features a self-care flow chart that may help
you decide when to call your doctor. Find
out more.
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