Breast Pain: Causes and Treatment
Breast pain is a common condition among females, also known as mastalgia. Usually, it is not an indication of breast cancer. The discomfort might range from a slight soreness to a throbbing or stabbing sensation. Pain is generally classified as cyclical or non-cyclical. Cyclical pain means that the pain is associated with your menstrual cycle. Significant breast changes include:
- Puberty triggers breast evolution due to estrogen surge.
- Menstrual cycle hormones can lead to breast discomfort or pain.
- Breast pain, termed mastalgia, is common in women.
- Pain can be cyclical (linked to menstrual cycle) or non-cyclical.
- Cyclical pain decreases during or after a period.
- Non-cyclical pain, less common, has various causes.
- Mastitis can cause sharp pain or mild tingling, with breast tenderness or fullness.
Types of Breast Pain
Different types of breast pain can help in identifying the underlying causes and seeking appropriate treatment. Below are the primary types of breast pain:
Cyclic Breast Pain
- Hormonal Changes: Often linked to the menstrual cycle, cyclic breast pain is influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
- Timing: This pain typically occurs in the days leading up to menstruation and subsides once the period begins.
- Symptoms: It is usually described as a dull, heavy, or aching pain and often affects both breasts, particularly the upper outer areas.
- Age Group: Commonly affects women in their 20s to 40s.
Non-Cyclic Breast Pain
- Unrelated to Menstrual Cycle: Non-cyclic breast pain is not connected to the menstrual cycle and can occur at any time.
- Localized Pain: This type of pain is often described as a sharp, burning, or stabbing sensation and may be localized to one specific area of the breast.
- Causes: Potential causes include injury, breast cysts, fibroadenomas, and sometimes more serious conditions like breast cancer.
Extramammary Breast Pain
- Originates Outside the Breast: Despite being felt in the breast, extramammary pain originates from sources outside the breast, such as the chest wall, muscles, joints, or heart.
- Common Sources: Conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the rib cartilage), or even referred pain from angina or a heart attack can cause this type of breast pain.
- Diagnosis: Proper diagnosis often requires a thorough examination and sometimes imaging tests to identify the exact source of pain.
Mastitis-Related Breast Pain
- Infection: Mastitis is an infection of breast tissue that results in swelling, redness, and intense pain, often accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms.
- Common in Breastfeeding: This condition is more common in breastfeeding women due to blocked milk ducts or bacteria entering the breast.
- Treatment: Treatment typically includes antibiotics and measures to relieve pain and inflammation.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Breast Pain
Hormonal changes:
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and cause breast swelling and pain.
- Estrogen impacts breast ducts.
- Progesterone affects breast glands.
- Pain worsens before menstruation or persists throughout the cycle.
- Pain may reduce or disappear after pregnancy or menopause.
Breast cysts
As a woman ages, her breasts undergo changes known as involution, the changes include
- Breast tissue is replaced by fat.
- Cysts and fibrous tissue growth.
- Known as fibrocystic changes.
- Breasts feel lumpy and sensitive.
- Common in upper and outer breast areas.
- Lumps can enlarge during the menstrual cycle.
Breast Pain During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and nutritious way to feed your baby, but it is not without its pitfalls. You may experience breast pain while breastfeeding for many reasons.
Breastfeeding Conditions includes:
Mastitis:
Infection of milk ducts causing sharp pain, nipple issues, red streaks, fever, and chills. Treated with antibiotics.
Congestion (Engorgement):
Ingestion When the Breasts become too full, they become swollen, tight, and painful. If you are unable to feed the baby, express milk by hand.
Improper Latch:
If the baby does not latch properly, it can cause sore breasts and cracked or sore nipples. Seek help from a lactation consultant for a better latch.
Other Causes of Breast Pain
Breast pain can have other causes like:
Diet:
Unhealthy diets high in fat and refined carbs may increase breast pain risk.
Extramammary Concerns:
Breast pain can stem from chest, arm, or back muscle irritation due to activities like raking or rowing.
Breast Size:
Larger or disproportionate breasts can cause neck and shoulder discomfort.
Breast Surgery:
In breast surgery, the Scar tissue formation post-surgery may lead to persistent pain.
Medications:
Antidepressants, hormone therapy, antibiotics, and heart disease meds can contribute to breast pain.
Smoking:
Smoking raises epinephrine levels in breast tissue, potentially causing soreness.
Symptoms of Breast Pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Sharp or Burning Pain
- Dull Ache
- Pain Linked to Menstrual Cycle (Cyclic Pain)
- Non-Cyclic Pain
- Pain Extending to Surrounding Areas
- Lumpiness
- Nipple Sensitivity
- Redness or Warmth
Diagnosis of Breast Pain
The diagnosis of breast pain begins with a physical exam. The healthcare provider examines the breasts for lumps or unusual changes. The chest and abdomen are also examined to rule out non-cyclical pain. Other tests carried out are:
Mammogram:
An imaging test is recommended for breast lumps.
Ultrasound:
Imaging tests are often done alongside mammograms to assess pain areas.
Biopsy:
This biopsy test Recommended for determining cyst or lump type and extent of damage in breast tissue.
Treatment of Breast Pain
Depending on whether the breast pain is cyclical or non-cyclical, treatment can vary.
Treatment for cyclical pain may include:
- Wearing a support bra 24 hours a day when pain is worst
- Reducing your sodium intake
- Taking calcium supplements
- Taking oral contraceptives, which can help make your hormone levels more even
- Taking estrogen blockers, such as tamoxifen
- Taking pain relievers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Consult your doctor for tailored, non-cyclical breast pain treatment. Avoid supplement use without medical advice to prevent medication interactions or pre-existing conditions.
When to See a Doctor for Breast Pain?
If your breast pain is sudden and is accompanied by chest pain, tingling, and numbness in your extremities, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may be a sign of a heart attack.
You should see your doctor if
- One or both breasts change in size or shape
- There is a discharge from any of the nipples
- There is a rash around the nipple
- There are dimples in the skin of the breasts
- In one of your armpits, you detect a lump or swelling
- You have pain in your armpits or breasts that are not related to your menstrual cycle
- You notice a change in the appearance of your nipple
- Note an area in your breast with thickened tissue or a lump
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Book an AppointmentBreast Pain Prevention
Prevention and cure can be possible by taking the following steps:
- Eat a diet rich in fiber, as it decreases the production of estrogens and therefore reduces inflammation and pain in the breasts.
- Wear a supportive bra that fits you perfectly and also exercise wearing just a sports bra.
- Avoid caffeine and drink herbal teas instead.
- Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
Home Remedies for Breast Pain
- Warm or Cold Compress
- Wear a Supportive Bra
- Dietary Adjustments
- Massage with Essential Oils
- Herbal Remedies
- Stay Hydrated
- Pain Relief
- Reduce Stress
