Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Breast Palpation

also known as Clinical breast examination
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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

Showing 3 of 9 findings

Breast Cancer

Palpable lump judged malignant on clinical examination (hardness, irregular margins, reduced mobility)
Rule in
HelpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Very helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Abnormal clinical breast examination
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Moderate

Cirrhosis

Gynecomastia
Rule in
—
Rule out
—
Evidence:Moderate

Related Bedside Tests

Breast InspectionMembers
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Breast Inspection
aka Clinical breast examination (inspection component)
Rule in:VHBreast Cancer, IEDuct Ectasia, IEIntraductal Papilloma
Rule out:SHBreast Cancer, IEDuct Ectasia, 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
🎬Video coming soon
Hand Inspection
Rule in:HHepatopulmonary Syndrome, HHypoxemia, SHCrohn Disease +17 more
Rule out:SHHepatopulmonary Syndrome, SHOsteoarthritis, MHAnemia +17 more
🎬Video coming soon
Spleen Palpation
Rule in:VHSplenomegaly, HMalaria, SHCirrhosis +13 more
Rule out:SHMyelofibrosis, MHInfectious Mononucleosis, MHSplenomegaly +13 more
🎬Video coming soon
Asterixis
aka Flapping tremor; liver flap
Rule in:IEMetabolic Encephalopathy, IEStructural Brain Lesion
Rule out:IEMetabolic Encephalopathy, IEStructural Brain Lesion
🎬Video coming soon
Edema Assessment
Rule in:SHAscites, SHCirrhosis, SHCushing Syndrome +14 more
Rule out:HAscites, MHHeart Failure, NHCirrhosis +14 more

Related Systems / Regions

HematologicImmunologicIntegumentaryReproductiveThoraxUpper Extremities

Related Diagnoses

Breast CancerCirrhosisIntraductal Papilloma

Related Chief Complaints

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

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.