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Tuesday, July 15, 2008 vanessa asks

Q: I've been feeling pain on my right breast but I don't know what to look for when I check my breast

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Answers (2)
7/15/08 6:46am

Vanessa,

Under the breast cancer symptom section on this site, there is good guide to how to do a breast self-exam.  The basic idea is that you are looking for any kind of changes through a systematic visual and manual check of all parts of your breast. Because your pain is on just one side, you can compare how the right breast feels and looks to the left side.  There are many possible causes for pain including normal hormonal changes.  If your pain lasts longer than one menstrual period, or if you develop redness, swelling, or dimpling (like the dimples in an orange peel), you need to contact your doctor.  You might have an infection or a type of cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.  Of course, if you develop a fever or your pain becomes acute, don't wait.  Tell your doctor right away.

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7/15/08 11:27am

Hi Vanessa,

Here is one of the best links ever to how to do a breast exam and what to look for:

http://worldwidebreastcancer.com/investigation/breast-cancer-screening/breast-self-exam/

I also wanted to say that while breast pain is not usually a sign of breast cancer (it can be in rare cases) it is always wise to talk to your doctor about any changes in your breasts.

Take good care-

Laurie

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