Question:
Did anyone have their breasts checked by their surgeon?

When I went for my pre op testing, my surgeon checked my breasts (like the gyno doc does). I was shocked, but didn't want to cause a scene. I don't understand why he would need to do this. Can anyone offer any insight on this. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 27, 2001
I had the same thing happen when I had my gallbladder out a few yrs ago. It was the resident right before surgery I thought it was weird too. I am not sure if it is normal either since that was the only time I had surgery other than c-sections.
   — [Anonymous]

March 27, 2001
My surgeon routinely does breast exams. At first, I thought this was weird too but his office worker told me that he does this on everyone. It is a good thing. Doctors are professional people and a breast exam is a non-invasive and free exam that they can do quicly. We all need them. If you felt uncomfortable, you should hve asked him.
   — Brenda B.

March 27, 2001
I had a breast exam for my preop testing, too, and I think all preops through my surgeon do- no biggie, but I can understand why you would wonder. I look at it as good preventative medicine along with the other tests they did.
   — M B.

March 27, 2001
My surgeon did it also. He explained that it was to check for lumps or tumors. Like the other preop testing, in the event you may have a lump they would do further examinations before doing the surgery. He also stressed self examinations monthly.
   — Anna B.

March 27, 2001
Hi, my surgeon didn't do this but I think only because I had recently seen my ob/gyn and had it done. I am aware of someone who had this happen and they discovered breast cancer which had to be taken care of before the weight surgery. Best wishes
   — Linda M.

March 27, 2001
I just saw my surgeon on the 15th and he didn't do a breast exam. I had breast cancer a couple of years ago and we discussed it, but that's as far as it went. He did push on my stomach area to see if I would be a candidate for the lap procedure. I guess it depends on what doctor you have. I heard some people's PCP do breast exams too, but mine never did. I'm with you though, I would have been surprised but not said anything. I would figure he did do the exam with everyone and would have felt silly asking him about it. I think it goes to show that each doctor has different things they feel are important. For instance, I was surprised about my surgeon's office making a huge deal about no caffeine at all, whereas other offices don't think it's a big deal. I hope this was just a I was wondering question and not an indication that your surgeon has made you feel uncomfortable. Good luck with your surgery, and feel free to email me if you'd like. Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

May 11, 2001
I came across this question while researching something non related, but wanted to give my feedback, since my surgeon wanted to do a breast exam during consult. My feeling was that it was not his area and I refused it. I told him that I had a physical 2 months before with my pcp and a gyn exam a month before AND I was going for a mammogram in a week, and he was not impressed and said he would have to tell the hospital that I refused the exam. I felt that it was not professional and besides like alot of large women I don't like to bare myself for anyone, I had not even been to the qyn for 15 years out of shame. Oh well, I guess I have found that it is not uncommon, but I still feel that it was an invasion.
   — potterylady

May 24, 2001
My surgeon gave me a pre op physical. This involved palpating my abdomen, checking my breasts and lymph nodes, my neck and thyroid gland... looking at moles and general skin tone and elasticity. I didnt mind at all... he is a total professional and I understand why a surgeon preparing to do major abdominal surgery would want to check his general surgical site. I was covered at all times and he moved the paper sheet to the side only on the area he was palpating. I didnt feel uncomfortable at all.
   — SusanMaria

June 17, 2001
My doc requires all his patient to have mammo if they don't have a recent one. This had proven to be a good thing for many of us. So far I know of three of his patients who were found to have breast CA because of his thoroughness. He want's to know 'all' problems before surgery.
   — Cynthia E.

March 7, 2002
I got a very brief breast exam during my first visit -- I wasn't exposed. He also asked me if I'd had a mammogram and pap smear recently. It did surprise me, but I'm a nursing student, and wasn't upset. I don't think surgeons get their kicks doing these, lol :D
   — Maria S.

July 8, 2002
I have to say... I went into an initial consultation for abdominoplasty, and knowing that ins would not cover the other procedures for skin removal I wanted) I was TOTALLY shocked when my Dr. began prodding and lifting my skin ALL OVER my body (legs, arms, breasts), and he gave me a breast exam. I was unprepared for this, thinking for a long and methodical time prior to this appointment that I would likely have pictures of my abdomin taken and maybe he'd pull at the sagging tummy skin... but not my WHOLE BODY! He WAS totally professional as he jotted noted regarding elasticity, etc... but I just wasn't prepared for the whole thing. As it happens, he said that he was going to ask for approval for ALL of the reconstruction I wanted and needed, and when they approved (his estimation of what would happen) the TT, we could begin appealing arms, breasts and legs. Well, they did did deny all but the TT, so I am scheduled for that on 8/2/02 and will appeal the rest (not that I hope to prove medical necessity, but it's there)... So, the bottom line... Having not been there to initiate proceedures for anythign but a TT, I was in shock. In retrospect... I completely understand and appreciate the Dr.'s thourough nature.
   — lisadiehl

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