What is a breast examination?
A breast examination is a clinical check of both breasts and the armpits for a lump, skin change, nipple change, or discharge. It is part of preventive gynaecology, not a test that by itself diagnoses cancer. Most lumps in younger women are benign. The point of the examination is to notice a change while it is still small, and to decide whether it needs imaging or can be watched.
The examination is done with you sitting and then lying down, so the tissue is felt in more than one position. You are told what is being checked and you can stop. A chaperone can be arranged. If the exam is normal and you have no new symptom, that result is said plainly. A normal exam does not replace a mammogram when your age or family history calls for one.
Dr. Anusha Mallarapu includes this in her gynaecology practice in Puppalaguda. She also operates on selected benign breast conditions, including a fibroadenoma that needs removal and a breast abscess. If a lump is suspicious, the next step is imaging and, when the scan calls for it, a biopsy, before anyone uses the word cancer.
How a breast finding is followed
A lump is not a diagnosis. The sequence is examination, then imaging if it is needed, then a tissue test only when the scan does not settle the question.
History and the symptom
When the change started, whether it varies with the cycle, pain, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, and any previous scan or surgery are written down. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer changes how urgently imaging is arranged. Pregnancy and breastfeeding change what a lump is likely to be.
Clinical examination
Both breasts, the nipples, and the lymph nodes under the arm are examined. A lump is described by size, site, and whether it feels mobile. You are shown where it is, so the later scan is looking at the same place you can feel.
Ultrasound or mammography
A younger woman is usually sent for ultrasound first. Mammography is used when age, breast density, or the ultrasound finding makes an X-ray useful. The report is read against the examination, not as a standalone label. A result that needs action is not left until the next annual visit.
Biopsy or surgery
If imaging cannot say the lump is benign, a biopsy takes a sample before any larger operation. A fibroadenoma that is clearly benign can be watched or removed. An abscess is drained. The choice is explained with the reason, and you decide after that conversation.
What breast care here includes
These are the parts of the service. Imaging is arranged when the examination or your age calls for it. Surgery is for benign conditions that need an operation.
Clinical breast examination
A hands-on check at a routine gynaecology visit, or sooner if you have found a change. It looks for a lump, nipple discharge, skin thickening, and enlarged nodes. It is the starting point, not a substitute for a scan when one is due.
Ultrasound and mammography
Ultrasound looks at a lump you or the doctor can feel, and is the usual first image in younger women. Mammography screens the breast with X-ray and is added when it will change the reading. Both are explained before you are sent, including what the report will and will not be able to say.
Benign lump removal
A fibroadenoma is a common non-cancerous lump. Many can be left alone once imaging and, if needed, a biopsy have confirmed what they are. Removal is offered when the lump is enlarging, painful, or you want it out after that confirmation. The operation and the recovery are described before a date is set.
Abscess and biopsy
A breast abscess, often in breastfeeding, is drained rather than treated with tablets alone when it has formed a collection. A biopsy is a smaller procedure used to identify tissue that imaging has not settled. It is a diagnostic step. It is not the same operation as removing the lump.
Who should book
A breast check belongs in a routine gynaecology visit. Some changes should not wait for that date.
01
A new lump
A lump you have not felt before, or one that is growing, should be examined. Most are benign. Size and how long it has been there still need a doctor’s hands and, often, a scan.
02
Nipple or skin change
Discharge, a nipple that has pulled in, persistent eczema of the nipple, or skin that looks dimpled or thickened is a reason to be seen promptly, even if you cannot feel a lump.
03
Pain that is new or one-sided
Cyclical tenderness in both breasts is common. Pain in one area that does not follow the cycle, especially with a lump, is assessed rather than attributed to hormones on the phone.
04
A known fibroadenoma or abscess
If another clinic has already called a lump a fibroadenoma, bring that report. Removal, or drainage of an abscess, is planned from those notes plus a fresh examination, not from the name alone.
A rapidly enlarging lump, a red and hot breast with fever, or bloody nipple discharge should be said when you call, so you are seen promptly rather than given the next routine date.
Examination, imaging, and surgery
Each step answers a different question. Surgery is not the first response to a lump.
What the examination can say
The clinical exam can find a lump, confirm one you already feel, and decide how urgent imaging is. It cannot prove that a lump is harmless, and a normal exam does not rule out a small change that only a mammogram would show. You are told which of those limits applies to you.
When imaging comes next
Ultrasound is used for a focal lump and in younger women. Mammography is added when age or the ultrasound leaves a question. If either report is uncertain, a biopsy is the way to name the tissue. You are not asked to choose an operation from a scan adjective.
Surgery for benign disease
Dr. Mallarapu operates for selected benign breast problems, including removal of a fibroadenoma and drainage of an abscess. A cancer that needs a mastectomy or a wide local excision is a different operation and is referred to a breast unit rather than folded into this list. You are told which path a result puts you on.
What happens at the visit
The visit starts with your symptom and your cycle, then the examination. If a scan is needed the same week, you are told which one and why, and whether to book it before or after a period. If the examination is reassuring and no scan is due, you leave with that, plus the changes that should bring you back earlier than a year.
If an operation is being considered, the conversation covers what will be removed, where the cut will be, whether it is done under local or general anaesthesia, and how long the wound takes to settle. A date is not set until you have had that explanation.
What to bring
- Any previous breast ultrasound, mammogram, or biopsy report, including images if you have them.
- The date you first noticed the change, and whether it varies with your period.
- A list of medicines, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, if you know it, including who was affected and at what age.
Call +91 63048 27743 or use the appointment form. The clinic confirms the time by phone or WhatsApp. Consultations are Monday to Saturday.
Why patients book breast care here
01
The check sits inside a gynaecology visit
You do not need a separate clinic for a routine breast examination. It is done by the same doctor who already knows your history.
02
A lump is imaged before it is named
Ultrasound or mammography is arranged from the examination, and a biopsy is used when the scan is not enough. Treatment follows that result.
03
Benign surgery is done here
Fibroadenoma removal and abscess drainage are part of this practice. The operation, the scar, and the recovery are explained before you agree.
04
A worrying result is not softened
If imaging or a biopsy raises a cancer concern, that is said directly, with the referral or the next test, rather than being delayed to a later visit.
Questions about breast examination
01What is the purpose of a breast examination?
It is a physical check for a lump, nipple change, skin change, or enlarged nodes under the arm. Dr. Mallarapu uses it to decide whether you need a scan, a biopsy, or simple reassurance. It is one part of finding a problem early. It is not, by itself, a cancer test.
02When should I book one?
Have a clinical breast examination as part of a routine gynaecology visit. Book sooner if you notice a new lump, nipple discharge, a nipple that pulls in, or a change in the skin of the breast. Do not wait a year for those.
03Does Dr. Mallarapu operate on the breast?
Yes, for selected benign conditions, including removal of a fibroadenoma and drainage of a breast abscess. A cancer operation such as a mastectomy is not offered as part of this service. If a result points that way, she explains it and refers you.
04What happens if she finds something?
She tells you what she felt and arranges the next test, usually an ultrasound or a mammogram. If that report is uncertain, a biopsy follows. You are not sent for surgery on the basis of a lump alone.
05Will every lump need an operation?
No. Many lumps, once imaging or a biopsy has shown they are benign, can be watched. Removal is discussed when a fibroadenoma is enlarging, painful, or you prefer it gone after that confirmation. An abscess that has collected is drained.
06Where is the clinic?
Dr. Anusha Mallarapu Clinic is on the first floor of Ideal Investa, Road No. 13, Kundan Nagar Colony, Alkapoor Township, Puppalaguda, Hyderabad 500089. She also consults at Bhoomi Hospital, Plot No. 44, 46 and 48, Puppalaguda–Manikonda Road, near Tapovan Park.
07How do I book an appointment?
Call +91 63048 27743, email dranushamallarapu@gmail.com, send a WhatsApp message, or use the form on the Contact page. The clinic confirms the time by phone or WhatsApp.
08What should I bring to the first visit?
Bring previous prescriptions, scan and blood reports, a list of current medicines, and the questions you want answered. If this is a fertility visit, come with your cycle dates if you know them.
Sources
These public pages explain the topic in general. They are not a description of your own result or a treatment plan from this clinic.
Related notes
- 12 September 2026What happens at a pregnancy visit in PuppalagudaWhat a pregnancy visit with Dr. Anusha Mallarapu covers: history, checks, scans, and a birth plan aimed at a safe vaginal delivery.
- 14 September 2026When a pregnancy needs closer careWhat high-risk pregnancy means at this clinic: closer visits for diabetes, blood pressure, growth, and a delivery plan at Bhoomi Hospital.