Breast pain/tenderness

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common condition characterized by discomfort, tenderness, or pain in one or both breasts. The condition can vary greatly in terms of severity, duration, and location. Breast pain is not typically associated with breast cancer; however, any persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

Causes

Breast pain can be categorized into two main types: cyclic and non-cyclic.

Cyclic breast pain:

• Is the most common type of breast pain.
• Is related to the menstrual cycle.
• Typically affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm.
• Can vary in intensity but generally improves after menstruation begins.

Non-cyclic breast pain:

• Is not related to the menstrual cycle.
• Can be constant or intermittent.
• May affect one breast more than the other.
• Can be caused by a variety of factors including injuries, infections (mastitis), cysts, and in rare cases, breast cancer.

Other potential causes of breast pain include hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, menopause, certain medications, breast surgery, and wearing an improperly fitting bra.

Symptoms

Symptoms of breast pain can include:

• A feeling of heaviness or tenderness in one or both breasts.
• Sharp, burning pain or tightness.
• Pain that varies with the menstrual cycle (for cyclic breast pain).
• Swelling, warmth, or redness (particularly if an infection is present).

Diagnosis

To diagnose breast pain, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Additional tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, may be recommended to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for breast pain depends on the underlying cause. Some general recommendations include:

• Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra.
• Applying warm or cold compresses.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Hormonal treatments, if the pain is related to hormonal fluctuations.

In cases where a specific cause is identified, such as an infection or cyst, treatment will target that condition.

Prevention

While not all forms of breast pain can be prevented, some strategies may help reduce the risk or severity:

• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Reducing caffeine and high-fat diet intake.
• Exercising regularly.
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing.

See Also

• Breast health
• Mammography
• Breast cancer screening