Roll the soft tissue of the axilla over the ribs with your fingers. While supporting the anterior axillary fold, attempt to feel the anterior (pectoral) axillary nodes.
Move slightly posteriorly-dorsally and have the patient now relax his right hand over your left arm. Attempt to feel the lateral axillary nodes by rolling your fingers under the humerus.
While supporting the post axillary fold, feel the posterior axillary nodes (subscapular).
Repeat these steps for the opposite side.
Repeat the examination in the recumbent (supine) position.