Breast disease
What is breast medicine?
Breast medicine is the branch of medicine that deals specifically with the study of diseases affecting the breast.
How does a breast examination take place?
A breast examination allows for the detection of any breast-related issues, enabling the identification of lumps, nipple discharge, inflammation or pain affecting the breasts.
The examination is divided into two parts: during the medical history, the doctor gathers as much information as possible about the patient’s clinical history and lifestyle (previous medical conditions, medication use, age at first menstruation or onset of the menopause, pregnancies, family history of breast cancer, lifestyle); in the second part, the doctor carries out a clinical examination through careful observation and palpation.
An office ultrasound scan may be carried out to supplement the examination.
How should you prepare for a breast screening appointment?
A breast examination can be carried out at any time, although the most recommended time is after the menstrual period. Due to tension in the breast tissue caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, it is possible that no lumps may be detected, or, conversely, that false positives may be identified. It is therefore advisable to have the examination between the seventh and fourteenth day of the menstrual cycle (pre-ovulation).
In addition, the patient is asked to bring with her the results of any previous tests relating to the breast condition (if already diagnosed).
Breast health services
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Breast examination with ultrasound support