Physical Exam

Breast Palpation

also known as Clinical breast examination

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine and wearing a gown, have the patient adjust the gown to expose one breast and raise the ipsilateral arm behind the head. Palpate the entire breast systematically with the finger pads using a consistent pattern, such as vertical strips, and varying pressure to assess superficial and deeper tissue, including the axillary tail. Note the location, size, consistency, and mobility of any mass. If indicated, gently compress the nipple to assess for discharge. Re-cover the breast and repeat the examination on the opposite side.

How to Interpret

Breast Cancer

Palpable lump judged malignant on clinical examination (hardness, irregular margins, reduced mobility)

Rule in

HelpfulDerived CI

Rule out

Very helpfulDerived CI

Evidence:Limited

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.
Ravi C, Rodrigues G. Accuracy of clinical examination of breast lumps in detecting malignancy: a retrospective study. Indian J Surg Oncol. 2012;3(2):154-157. doi:10.1007/s13193-012-0151-5. PMID: 23730103. PMCID: PMC3392478.
Udell JA, Wang CS, Tinmouth J, FitzGerald JM, Ayas NT, Simel DL, Schulzer M, Mak E, Yoshida EM. Does this patient with liver disease have cirrhosis? JAMA. 2012;307(8):832-842. PMID: 22357834.
Alcock C, Layer GT. Predicting occult malignancy in nipple discharge. ANZ J Surg. 2010;80(9):646-649. PMID: 20840410.
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.