Both breasts must be entirely examined. Each breast is considered to have three portions, the superior portion, the inferior portion and the lateral portion (see diagram). The initial SureTouch examination starts with the superior portion. After placement of lubricant to this area, the breast is held steady and pulled gently caudally with the free hand (usually left hand). The SureTouch hand-held tactile receptor, held with the other hand, is passed over the breast, back and forth until the entire superior portion is examined. A steady force of at least 1.2 kg should be applied during the scanning process. Any site which demonstrates repeatable firmness should be documented. Often, ribs can be examined in the superior quadrant to familiarize the examiner with bony firmness.

SureTouch Clinical Breast Examination examines the breast in 3 portions as shown.

 

Once the entire superior portion of the breast is examined, the inferior portion is then examined in a similar fashion. The breast is slightly retracted superiorly, and repeated passes of the SureTouch hand-held tactile receptor allows examination of the entire inferior breast. Again, any suspicious or persistently firm findings are recorded.

Finally, the lateral portion of the breast is examined. This larger portion of the breast requires coordination between the hand that retracts the breast medially and the examining hand using SureTouch. Some of the lubricant used in the prior portions may need to be removed for better control of the breast movement.

Each suspicious mass will be documented with regard to size, shape, firmness, and location.