In what position should breast palpation be performed?

• A. Sitting upright
• B. Prone
• C. Lateral decubitus
• D. Supine with the arm of the breast being examined raised above the head

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that breast tissue is easiest to palpate when it lies flat on the chest wall and is spread out for even contact with the examiner’s fingers. Lying on the back with the arm of the breast being examined raised overhead achieves this by flattening the breast, moving tissue away from the chest wall, and bringing all areas—including the tail of Spence and subareolar tissue—within easy reach. This position also stabilizes the patient and allows you to apply consistent, systematic palpation with the pads of the fingers in a methodical pattern. Other positions can cause tissue to bunch or hang, making it harder to feel small or deep abnormalities. So raising the arm while the patient is supine provides the most reliable access to all breast tissues during palpation.