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Breast pain

Pain - breast; Mastalgia; Mastodynia; Breast tenderness

 

Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast.

Considerations

 

There are many possible causes for breast pain. For example, hormone level changes from menstruation or pregnancy often cause breast tenderness. Some swelling and tenderness just before your period is normal.

Some women who have pain in one or both breasts may fear breast cancer . However, breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer.

 

Causes

 

Some breast tenderness is normal. The discomfort may be caused by hormone changes from:

  • Menopause (unless a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy)
  • Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Pregnancy -- breast tenderness tends to be more common during the first trimester and in women who become pregnant at a young age
  • Puberty in both girls and boys

Soon after having a baby, a woman's breasts may become swollen with milk. This can be very painful. If you also have an area of redness, call your health care provider.

Breastfeeding itself may also cause breast pain.

Fibrocystic breast changes are a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps or cysts that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.

Certain medicines may also cause breast pain, including:

  • Oxymetholone
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Diuretics
  • Digitalis preparations
  • Methyldopa
  • Spironolactone

Shingles can lead to pain in the breast if the painful blistering rash appears on the skin of your breasts.

 

Home Care

 

If you have painful breasts, the following may help:

  • Take medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Use heat or ice on the breast
  • Wear a well-fitting bra that supports your breasts

There is no good evidence to show that reducing the amount of fat, caffeine, or chocolate in your diet helps reduce breast pain. Vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, and evening primrose oil are not harmful, but most studies have not shown any benefit. Talk to your health care provider before starting any medicine or supplement.

Certain birth control pills may help ease breast pain. Ask your provider if this therapy is right for you.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you have:

  • Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple
  • Given birth within the last week and your breasts are swollen or hard
  • Noticed a new lump with pain that does not go away after your menstrual period
  • Persistent, unexplained breast pain
  • Signs of a breast infection, including redness, pus, or fever

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

Your health care provider will perform a breast examination and ask questions about your breast pain. You may have a mammogram or ultrasound.

Your provider may schedule a follow-up visit if your symptoms have not gone away in a given period of time. You may be referred to a specialist.

 

 

References

Katz VL, Dotters D. Breast diseases: diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 15.

Managing your: breast pain. In: Alvero R, Ferri FF, Fort GG, et al, eds. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015 . 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:section V.

 
  • Female Breast - illustration

    The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.

    Female Breast

    illustration

  • Breast pain - illustration

    Breast pain can be due to many possible causes. Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.

    Breast pain

    illustration

    • Female Breast - illustration

      The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.

      Female Breast

      illustration

    • Breast pain - illustration

      Breast pain can be due to many possible causes. Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.

      Breast pain

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Breast pain

         

         

        Review Date: 11/4/2014

        Reviewed By: John A. Daller, MD, PhD., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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