Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Breast Inspection

also known as Clinical breast examination (inspection component)
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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

Showing 1 of 10 findings

Breast Cancer

Abnormal clinical breast examination
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Moderate

Related Bedside Tests

Breast PalpationMembers
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Breast Palpation
aka Clinical breast examination
Rule in:VHBreast Cancer, IEIntraductal Papilloma
Rule out:VHBreast Cancer, IEIntraductal Papilloma
FreeAxillary Lymph Node Palpation
Axillary Lymph Node Palpation
Rule in:SHBreast Cancer, SHHIV Infection, SHInfectious Mononucleosis +4 more
Rule out:MHInfectious Mononucleosis, NHBreast Cancer, NHHIV Infection +4 more
Female External Genital ExamMembers
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Female External Genital Exam
Rule in:VHPrimary Syphilis, SHGenital Herpes, IEAtrophic Vulvovaginitis +6 more
Rule out:MHGenital Herpes, MHPrimary Syphilis, IEAtrophic Vulvovaginitis +6 more
Head and Neck Lymph Node PalpationMembers
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Head and Neck Lymph Node Palpation
Rule in:VHInfectious Mononucleosis, HMalignant Lymphadenopathy, SHThyroid Carcinoma +9 more
Rule out:SHMalignant Lymphadenopathy, MHInfectious Mononucleosis, ICConjunctivitis +9 more
How to Palpate Lymph NodesMembers
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How to Palpate Lymph Nodes
Rule in:IEIntra-abdominal Malignancy, IELymphoma, IELymphoproliferative Disease +4 more
Rule out:IEIntra-abdominal Malignancy, IELymphoma, IELymphoproliferative Disease +4 more
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Inguinal Lymph Node Palpation
Rule in:SHInfectious Mononucleosis, ICMalignant Lymphadenopathy, IELymphoma +2 more
Rule out:MHInfectious Mononucleosis, NHMalignant Lymphadenopathy, IELymphoma +2 more

Related Systems / Regions

IntegumentaryReproductiveThoraxUpper Extremities

Related Diagnoses

Breast CancerDuct EctasiaIntraductal Papilloma

Related Chief Complaints

Breast LumpBreast MassBreast PainBreast SwellingNipple DischargeNipple RetractionSkin Changes of the BreastSwollen Lymph Nodes

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

  • 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.