inspection

Last reviewed 01/2018

The breasts should be inspected with the patient seated in the following positions:

  • arms at the side
  • hands pressing on hips
  • arms raised in the air
  • hands pressing on top of the head

In each, note breast:

  • size
  • shape
  • contour
  • colouration
  • venous pattern
  • skin dimpling
  • nipple inversion or excoriation