Physical Exam

Due to regular mammography, many women do not develop symptoms of breast cancer. This is because early detection via screening (regular mammography) means that breast cancer is often diagnosed before symptoms begin.

If there are symptoms, these are assessed during the physical exam, which includes examination of both breasts and the axillary lymph nodes, which can be palpated.

For information on symptoms, see Breast Cancer Treatment - NCI

During the physical examination, physician is specifically searching for the following signs

• Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast
• Nipple turned inward toward the breast
• Fluid, other than breast milk, from the nipple, especially if it’s bloody
• Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple)
• Dimples in the breast that look like the skin of an orange, called peau d’orange

Document physical exam details in NAACCR Item # 2520 Text-Dx Proc-PE.

See History & Physical Exam | SEER Training website for more information on the patient history and physical exam.

Updated: January 10, 2025