Being able to take a breast lump history is an important skill that is often assessed in the OSCE setting. It’s important to have a systematic approach to ensure you don’t miss any key information. The guide below provides a framework to take a thorough breast lump history. Check out the breast lump history mark scheme here.
Opening the consultation
Introduce yourself – name/role
Confirm patient details – name/DOB
Explain the need to take a history
Gain consent
Ensure the patient is comfortable
Presenting complaint
It’s important to use open questioning to elicit the patient’s presenting complaint
“So what’s brought you in today?” or “Tell me about your symptoms”
Allow the patient time to answer, trying not to interrupt or direct the conversation.
Facilitate the patient to expand on their presenting complaint if required.
“Ok, so tell me more about that” “Can you explain what that pain was like?”
History of presenting complaint
Questions to ask about the lump
Size – Has it changed? / Over what duration?
Onset – When did they first notice the lump?
Is the lump painful? – ask SOCRATES (shown below)
Is the lump’s size or discomfort related to the menstrual cycle in any way?
Pain – if pain is a symptom, clarify the details of the pain using SOCRATES
- Site – where is the pain
- Onset – duration? / sudden vs gradual?
- Character – sharp / dull ache / burning
- Radiation – does the pain move anywhere else?
- Associations – other symptoms associated with the pain (e.g. fever)
- Time course – worsening / improving / fluctuating
- Exacerbating / Relieving factors – does anything make the pain worse or better?
- Severity – on a scale of 0-10 how severe is the pain?
Local associated symptoms
Nipple discharge or bleeding?
Nipple inversion? – Is this new or has it always been the case?
Skin changes overlying the lump or elsewhere on the breast?
- Eczema
- Dimpling
- Ulceration
Systemic symptoms
Weight loss
Fever
Lethargy
Pain elsewhere – e.g. spine / axilla / abdomen
Gland swelling – lymphadenopathy
Other questions
Has the patient ever experienced similar symptoms in the past?
If any of the above symptoms are present, gain further details
Onset – When did the symptom start? / Was the onset acute or gradual?
Duration – Days / Weeks / Months / Years
Severity – i.e. How much is the given symptom impacting on their life?
Course – Is the symptom worsening, improving, or continuing to fluctuate?
Intermittent or continuous? – Is the symptom always present or does it come and go?
Precipitating factors – Are there any obvious triggers for the symptom?
Relieving factors – Does anything appear to improve the symptoms?
Previous episodes – Has the patient experienced this symptom previously?
Ideas, Concerns and Expectations
Ideas – what are the patient’s thoughts regarding their symptoms?
Concerns – explore any worries the patient may have regarding their symptoms
Expectations – gain an understanding of what the patient is hoping to achieve from the consultation
Summarising
Summarise what the patient has told you about their presenting complaint.
This allows you to check your understanding regarding everything the patient has told you.
It also allows the patient to correct any inaccurate information and expand further on certain aspects.
Once you have summarised, ask the patient if there’s anything else that you’ve overlooked.
Continue to periodically summarise as you move through the rest of the history.
Signposting
Signposting involves explaining to the patient:
- What you have covered – “Ok, so we’ve talked about your breast lump and your concerns regarding it”
- What you plan to cover next – “Now I’d like to discuss your past medical history and your medications”
Past medical history
Relevant obstetric/gynaecological history:
- Age at menarche/menopause
- Parity
- Age at first pregnancy
- Did they breastfeed?
- Use of hormonal replacement therapy or oral contraceptive pill
Relevant past medical history:
- Recent breast trauma – fat necrosis
- Previous breast disease – malignant or benign?
- Any other previous malignancies?
- Other significant medical problems?
Surgical history – breast surgery / other surgery
Drug history
Relevant prescribed medication:
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Hormonal replacement therapy
Other regular medications
Over the counter drugs
Herbal remedies
ALLERGIES – ensure to document these clearly
Family history
Family history of breast disease – consider BRCA mutations
Social history
Smoking – How many cigarettes a day? How many years have they smoked for?
Alcohol – How many units a week? – type/volume/strength
Recreational drug use?
Living situation:
- Do they have accommodation?
- Who lives with the patient? – is the patient supported at home?
- Any carer input? – what level of care do they receive?
Activities of daily living:
- Is the patient independent and able to fully care for themselves?
- Is the symptom impacting on their abilities to carry out daily activities?
Occupation – Is the patient currently coping at work? What are their expected duties?
Systemic enquiry
Systemic enquiry involves performing a brief screen for symptoms in other body systems.
This may pick up on symptoms the patient failed to mention in the presenting complaint.
Some of these symptoms may be relevant to the diagnosis (e.g. back pain in metastatic breast cancer).
Choosing which symptoms to ask about depends on the presenting complaint and your level of experience.
Cardiovascular – Chest pain / Palpitations / Dyspnoea / Syncope / Orthopnoea / Peripheral oedema
Respiratory – Dyspnoea / Cough / Sputum / Wheeze / Haemoptysis / Chest pain
GI – Appetite / Nausea / Vomiting / Indigestion / Dysphagia / Weight loss / Abdominal pain / Bowel habit
CNS – Vision / Headache / Motor or sensory disturbance/ Loss of consciousness / Confusion
Musculoskeletal – Bone and joint pain / Muscular pain
Dermatology – Rashes / Skin breaks / Ulcers / Lesions
Closing the consultation
Thank patient
Summarise history
