# New breast mass/change
– History
— Previous breast problems and previous breast investigations:
— Risk factors, particularly strong family history of breast/ovarian cancer:
— Hormonal status, menstrual history, recent pregnancies and breastfeeding:
— Current medications / recent changes in medication, especially exogenous hormones, complementary and alternative medicines:
— Most recent imaging results:
— Recent breast trauma? :
– History of presenting complaint
— Site (constant or changing, unilateral or bilateral):
— Duration:
— Changes since first noted:
— Relationship to menstrual cycle or exogenous hormones:
— Associated symptoms (breast lump, breast pain, breast asymmetry or skin dimpling, nipple changes, nipple discharge):
– Examination
— Inspection
— Arms by side
— Arms raised above head
— Pressing on hips leaning forward (contracting pectoral muscles)
— Palpation
— Palpate supraclavicular and axillary fossae
— Palpate breasts, particularly upper quadrants and bimanual examination
— Patient lying flat with ipsilateral arm behind her head:
— Palpate all quadrants and axillary tail, and around and behind nipple
Breast Mass
