Quick answer
What can I ask in this scenario?
Ask what the lump feels like and whether it moves freely, when it was first noticed and whether it has changed, whether there are any skin or nipple changes, whether there are lumps under the arm, and about family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
“Does the lump feel hard or soft, and does it move around, or does it feel fixed in place?”
Communication context
A realistic patient scenario
Imagine this consultation: A patient has noticed a new lump in her breast and comes in for evaluation. Your task is to explore the history in natural English without overwhelming the patient with clinical jargon.
- Clinical area
- General Surgery
- Your focus
- Clear, patient-friendly history taking
The clinical detail gives the language a realistic setting. This guide teaches communication, not diagnosis or treatment.
Useful questions for this scenario
Natural English questions, grouped by purpose
These are selected questions for this particular practice case. They are not an exhaustive clinical checklist.
The symptom story
“Does the lump feel hard or soft, and does it move around, or does it feel fixed in place?”
Purpose: Ask what the lump feels like and whether it moves freely under the skin.
Why this wording
Offering both possibilities — moves freely, or fixed in place — in the same question, rather than asking ‘is it fixed,’ keeps the question neutral instead of steering the patient toward the more concerning answer.
“When did you first notice the lump, and has it changed in size?”
Purpose: Find out when the lump was first noticed and whether it has changed in size.
Associated symptoms
“Have you noticed any dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge, or nipple pulling inward?”
Purpose: Ask about any dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge, or the nipple pulling inward.
Why this wording
Naming these specific changes individually, rather than a broad ‘any other symptoms,’ helps the patient recall details they might not think to mention on their own.
“Have you felt any lumps under your arm?”
Purpose: Ask whether the patient has felt any lumps under the arm.
Health background
“Does anyone in your family have a history of breast or ovarian cancer?”
Purpose: Ask, gently, about a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Why this wording
A brief, calm explanation of why you're asking — that family history helps guide next steps — keeps this question from sounding like a diagnosis is already assumed.
Put the phrases together
Move from open to focused questions
- Open
“Could you tell me more about what has been happening?”
- Focus
Choose a relevant question from the groups above.
- Check
“Is there anything else about this that you think I should know?”
Language note: Short, direct questions are often easier to answer. Ask one idea at a time, then follow the patient's wording when you need more detail.
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Publication notes
About this guide
- Based on a simulated Bedside English clinical scenario.
- Phrases are selected and edited for patient-friendly clinical communication.
- Last editorial update: .