Physical Exam

Breast Inspection

also known as Clinical breast examination (inspection component)

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient seated and wearing a gown, have the patient adjust the gown to fully expose both breasts for inspection. Inspect both breasts first with the arms resting at the sides, then raised overhead, and finally with the hands pressed firmly against the hips to contract the pectoral muscles. Compare the breasts for symmetry and contour, and inspect for any visible mass or skin changes, including dimpling, retraction, erythema, or peau d’orange. Inspect the nipples for inversion, deviation, crusting, or spontaneous discharge. Have the patient replace the gown when inspection is complete.

How to Interpret

Breast Cancer

Abnormal clinical breast examination

Rule in

Very helpful

Rule out

Somewhat helpful

Evidence:Limited

References

Barton MB, Harris R, Fletcher SW. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have breast cancer? The screening clinical breast examination: should it be done? How? JAMA. 1999 Oct 6;282(13):1270-1280. doi:10.1001/jama.282.13.1270. PMID: 10517431.
Barton MB, Harris R, Fletcher SW. Does this patient have breast cancer? The screening clinical breast examination: should it be done? How? JAMA. 1999;282(13):1270-1280. PMID: 10517431.
Jiwa N, Kumar S, Gandhewar R, Chauhan H, Nagarajan V, Wright C, Hadjiminas D, Takats Z, Ashrafian H, Leff DR. Diagnostic Accuracy of Nipple Discharge Fluid Cytology: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature. Ann Surg Oncol. 2022;29(3):1774-1786. doi:10.1245/s10434-021-11070-2. PMID: 34839426.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.