Get a Reliable Breast Exam in MA or RI at Southcoast Health

A breast exam (or a clinical breast exam) is a physical exam of your breast and underarm areas. Your gynecologist or primary care doctor should perform this as part of an annual exam.

To perform the exam, your doctor will visually check your breasts while you are sitting up. Your doctor may ask you to raise your arms over your head or press your hands against your hips. These different postures can reveal changes in the shape or size of your breasts. You’ll probably lie down for the physical exam. Your doctor will feel all areas of your breast and underarm to check for lumps and changes in texture.

If you would like to schedule a breast exam in North Dartmouth or make an appointment with an OB/GYN, contact us today. We also offer digital mammography across southeastern MA and RI.

Reasons for a Breast Examination

In most cases, women find lumps during their monthly breast self-exams. In addition to a self-exam, a clinical breast exam is an important strategy for early detection of breast cancer. Your health care provider may find a change you didn’t realize was suspicious.

What to Expect During Your Breast Exam

No physical preparation is necessary for a breast exam, but you should try to relax as much as possible during the exam.

If your doctor finds a lump, he or she will discuss it with you. Cancerous lumps can feel different than noncancerous ones, but all lumps need follow-up tests to know for sure. Your doctor will tell you what type of testing you need. The two main follow-up tests are a diagnostic mammogram and a breast ultrasound with or without a biopsy.

Whether you have a concern about your breast health or not, you’ll be in the best hands at Southcoast Health. We have all of the testing, treatment and care you need, near where you live and work. Explore all of our women’s health services across the South Coast to learn more.

Southcoast Health offers breast exams and many other women’s services to patients across southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island.