Hospitals employ strict policies relating to the provision of consent by the patient, the availability of chaperones at the examination, and the absence of other parties.
[1][2] Although women often undergo well-woman examinations on an annual basis, the interval for this visit and exam will vary depending on the needs of the patient.
[3] The purpose of this exam in asymptomatic women is to screen for potential abnormalities, such as sexually transmitted infections, and malignancy.
With the patient in a supine or seated position, the medical professional will look at both breasts to check the color, symmetry, dimensions according to age, lean body mass, the physiological (pregnancy and lactation) and race, looking for abnormalities, such as bulges and shrinkage.
[6] The test is executed pressing the gland with two or three fingers against the chest wall, making a radial route or by quadrants.
This limits the radiologist interpreting the study, so, in these cases, the ultrasound is helpful, since this is capable of distinguishing tumors in women with dense breast tissue, where identification is otherwise difficult.
Additionally, it is advisable to follow up a mammogram that shows indications of tumors with an ultrasound, to confirm, before more invasive procedures are undertaken.
This exam often includes three parts: The patient is placed in a supine position on a special examination table, which has two protrusions called "stirrups".
With the feet in these stirrups, the legs are placed in a position such that the medical professional can access the pelvic area.
[13] This examination is useful for identifying clinical signs of medical conditions, such as infection,[14] presence of a mass,[15] or structural abnormality.
[15]"Regular performance of this examination is crucial in early detection and management of gynecological conditions, which can significantly enhance treatment outcomes."