PROPEDêUTICA MAMáRIA PARA O MéDICO GENERALISTA – ATUALIZA O

The objective of this literature review is to list and analyze the main diagnostic methods in order to guide the general practitioner in screening and early diagnosis of breast diseases. Books, journal articles and updates from medical pages on the Internet were reviewed. The databases and search tools used were: Medline, SciELO and Academic Search Premier. The keywords used were: mammary propaedeutics, mammary ultrasonography, breast cancer, bi-rads, self-breast examination. The period in which the search was conducted was from March to May 2010. Although mammography continues being appointed by specialists guidelines as the diagnostic method of choice for breast cancer programs in population screening of disease due to its impact on mortality, clinical breast exam and self-examination are important components in tracking routine in developing countries, as is the case of Brazil. The great importance of mammary propaedeutics is related to the concern of screening for breast cancer. Primary care should primarily identify risk factors and signs of breast disease. The screening should be performed by careful and thorough investigation, including the history and appropriate physical examination.