Breast pain is more common especially in women, and it may sometimes occur due to cyclical reasons, while at other times it may appear as a sign of a serious problem.
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, can present in many different ways, ranging from tenderness in the breast tissue to throbbing, sharp pain as if a knife is being stabbed into the breast, burning pain, or a feeling of tightness. Sometimes it is felt in one breast and sometimes in both breasts.
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What Causes Breast Pain?
Breast pain generally starts 3–4 days before the onset of menstrual periods. Recurrent breast pain may occur every month due to the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes. It can be seen during adolescence and menopause. What should be considered is how long the pain lasts. It is incorrect to associate pain lasting more than a month with the menstrual period.
- Breast surgeries,
- Infection of the milk ducts or glands,
- Breastfeeding,
- Tight clothing,
- Large breast size,
- Postmenopausal hormone therapy,
- Use of medications for infertility treatment,
- Breast pain may be seen as a result of many conditions such as strenuous chest exercises.
In men, breast pain may be seen in gynecomastia (increase in breast tissue) caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone hormones. This benign enlargement may cause pain because it changes the size and shape of the breast.
Breast Pain Is a Symptom of Which Diseases?
When looking at the causes of breast pain, it is seen that it is cyclical or that this complaint occurs as a result of a disease. Breast pain may be seen as a result of diseases such as the presence of benign/malignant tumors (fibroadenomas), a cyst in the breast, ovulation disorder, and breast cancer. Although breast pain is not very common in breast cancer, it is considered possible. Regardless of the cause of breast pain, a breast examination must be performed and imaging techniques such as breast ultrasound should be used. It should not be overlooked that breast pain may be a symptom of a disease.
Types of Breast Pain
Types of breast pain are examined in two types: cyclical breast pain related to the menstrual cycle and non-cyclical breast pain. Breast pain is generally cyclical and affects both breasts. The pain in this type may be sharp and swelling may be seen. Those associated with the menstrual period are called cyclical pain.
Non-cyclical breast pain may be related to reasons such as an underlying disease, trauma, breast cancer, and injury. One or both breasts may be affected. Non-cyclical pain is called non-cyclical pain.
How Is Breast Pain Diagnosed?
Breast pain; if it continues every day for more than a few weeks, occurs in a specific area of the breast, increases in severity over time, begins to disrupt daily activities, and is severe enough to wake you from sleep, a doctor should be consulted without delay. When you go to the doctor for breast pain, the patient’s history is taken first. It is learned during which periods the pain occurs, how long it lasts, how that process goes, and whether it affects daily life. For diagnosis, breast ultrasound is performed for people under 40, and mammography and breast ultrasound are performed for people over 40. Infection should also be evaluated.
Breast Pain Treatment Methods
A treatment plan is drawn up by looking at the source of the breast pain. The underlying cause should be evaluated in detail and a thorough physical examination should be performed. If breast pain is experienced due to hormonal changes, lifestyle changes can be used as a treatment method. Wearing a supportive bra, avoiding stress, limiting caffeine consumption, and eating healthy may be part of this treatment method.
If breast pain occurs due to a medication being used, alternative types of medication should be tried. If a disease is suspected during diagnosis, that disease should be treated.
Breast Pain FAQ
1. Is breast pain dangerous?
Breast pain can be a serious problem depending on its cause. For this reason, the underlying cause of the pain should be investigated. However, it is usually seen intermittently due to reasons such as the menstrual period or wearing the wrong bra.
2. Where does breast pain radiate?
Breast pain may sometimes occur in one breast and sometimes in both breasts at the same time. It may cause pain and tenderness in the armpit and arm area.
3. Does stress cause breast pain?
Experiencing breast pain while in a stressed mood can occur. Especially in people with a family history of breast cancer, breast pain may be experienced psychologically.
4. Is breast pain a sign of cancer?
Although rare, breast pain may be seen in people with breast cancer. People who experience breast pain should have a detailed breast examination.
5. Which doctor should I see for breast pain?
For breast pain, Prof. Dr. Bülent Dinç, a General Surgery Specialist in breast diseases, is an expert doctor.
