Answer Page: Gynaecology -

Breast Examination

Patient Details

Task Answers

External Reference

Patient's Details

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Opening statement

62-year-old woman presenting for a routine breast screening

Appearance (act out during role play)

Appearance (act out during role play) - continued

Questions to ask the doctor

Questions to ask the Doctor (continued)

Expectations from the doctor

DockRoach™ Approach

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Key Concepts Here

Key concepts continued

Reading time techniques

Reading time techniques (continued)

Quickly think about task answers

Reassurance and show your confidence

Structure for physical examination

Sign post to start with introduction

Explain the examination

Check understanding

Position the patient

Sample dialogue

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Patient to place their hands on their thighs to relax the pectoral muscles.

Observe for visible lumps

Patient to press their hands into their hips

Arms above head

Sample dialogue

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Breast palpation

Clock face method

Assessing a mass

Sample dialogue

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Evaluation discharge

Sample dialogue

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Lymph node examination

Other lymph nodes

Sample dialogue

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Dispose of PPE appropriately and wash your hands

Sample dialogue

Question 1: What are the key things we are looking for during a breast

Question 2: Why is it important to perform a clinical breast examination even if the patient has no complaints

Question 3: Can you explain the correct technique for palpating the breast tissue?

Question 4: What should we do if we find a lump during the examination?

Question 5: Are there any risk factors we should be aware of that might increase the likelihood of breast cancer in this patient?

Check understanding, and demonstrate support

Additional References:

Click on link below.

Patient Information

Explaining topic to patient

Who is eligible for free breast screening? (Breastscreen.org.au)

About the BreastScreen Australia Program (Health.gov.au

Breast screening (Patient.info UK)

Breast checks to detect breast cancer – 8 minute read (ealthdirect.gov.au)

Reliable online resources for learning on this topic.

Quick Notes

See diagrams or notes on topic

Breast Examination (Geekymedics.com UK)

Breast cancer for Medical Professionals (Patient.info UK)

Breast cancer (Healthdirect.gov.au)

Useful online resources for learning on this topic.

Guidelines & Articles

Diagnosis and management on topic

Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice: Breast Cancer (Racgp.org.au)

Prevention and early detection of breast cancer (Racgp.org.au)

Guidance for the management of early breast cancer (Melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au)

Breast Cancer Clinical Guidelines (Melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au)

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on this topic from the official website.

UpToDate

Detailed reading on topic

Screening for breast cancer: Strategies and recommendations

Patient education: Breast cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)

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Tip Here:

Use a systematic approach for the breast examination, thoroughly assess each region, and be ready to explain key findings and their significance to the medical student.

This website has used the following for reference in preparing the contents.

Australian Medical Council (AMC) Handbook of Clinical Assessment reprinted 2018 edition

John Murtagh's General Practice 8th edition

Tally O'Conner's Clinical Examination 8th edition

Better Heath Channel

The Royal Women's Hospital Victoria Australia

Gynecology by Ten Teachers 20th edition

Obstetrics by Ten Teachers 20th edition

Paediatric Handbook 10th edition

Suggested reading material for examination preparation by the AMC

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)