Breast examination

In men, examine the breasts for breast tissue if they look enlarged, if you suspect liver disease or if there is a complaint about enlargement, pain or nipple discharge.

In women, examine the breast if there are complaints of pain, tenderness or nipple discharge, when there is an abnormal appearance, when axillary adenopathy is found, or cancer is suspected.

You may also examine the breast as part of a routine screening examination for cancer. In this case you must explain the reasoning behind this, ask for permission to examine the breasts, and wait until it is given.

This is particularly important where male doctors examine female patients. Some patients do not understand the concept of ?screening? for asymptomatic disease, and may think that the doctor has no business examining their breasts if they have no breast symptoms.

---

Examining the genitalia

The genitalia are not routinely examined, but must be inspected where disease affecting the genitalia is suspected.

As with the breast examination, it is important that the patient understands why you are examining the genitals, and gives his/her permission.