Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a medical condition associated with tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain, or tightness in the breast tissue. The pain is either constant or intermittent. The condition can occur to both men and women.
In men, breast pain can be caused by an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue caused by an imbalance of the hormone estrogen and testosterone. This condition is known as gynecomastia.
Breast pain does not indicate cancer but a benign breast condition. Breast pain that persists for one or two menstrual cycles, continues after menopause, or is not related to hormone changes needs medical intervention.
Causes of Breast Pain
Some of the common causes of breast pain include:
Hormonal fluctuations
Breast injury
Unsupportive bra
Pain emanating from an individual’s chest wall
Breastfeeding
Breast infection
Medication side effect
Painful breast cyst
Breast cancer
Diagnosis of Breast Pain
During the diagnosis of breast pain, the doctor may recommend the following tests to evaluate the patient’s condition:
Mammogram: This is an imaging test that uses magnetic fields to create detailed images and is recommended in cases where there is a sensation of a breast lump or unusual thickening or pain in the breast tissue. The procedure uses an X-ray to evaluate the area of concern during the breast exam.
Ultrasound: This procedure uses sound waves to produce images of the patient’s breast. The test is usually done along with a mammogram. If the mammogram appears normal, one will need an ultrasound to evaluate the focused area of pain.
Clinical breast exam: The doctor will do an examination of the patient’s breasts and the lymph nodes under the neck and underarm. He/she will also listen to the patient’s heart and lungs and check the chest and abdomen so as to determine whether the pain could be related to another condition.
Breast biopsy: The test entails obtaining a small sample of breast tissue from the area in question, after which it to the lab for further analysis.
Treatment of Breast Pain
Breast pain normally goes away on its own over time, and the patient might not need any medical attention. However, the doctor might suggest the following if the patient requires treatment or assistance managing the pain:
Reduction of menopausal hormone therapy: The patient might consider lowering or stopping completely the dose of menopausal therapy.
Eliminate underlying cause: This might require a minor modification, like using a bra with added support.
Use a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy medication: If the patient’s pain is severe, she might need to use certain medication applied to the sore spot.
Adjust birth control pills: If an individual uses birth control pills, skipping or switching to another method of birth control may lessen breast discomfort.
Prescription medication: There are specific medication approved for the treatment of breast pain and are only available via prescription from a doctor.
Risk Factors of Breast Pain
Some of the risk factors that may lead to breast pain include:
Fatty acid imbalance
Breast surgery
Medication use: Breast pain may be brought on by various hormonal drugs, including infertility therapies and oral birth control pills.
Breast size: large-breasted individuals may experience noncyclic breast pain that is related to their breast size.
FAQ's
Breast pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, breast cysts, injury or trauma to the breast, breast infections, and certain medications.
Breast pain is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests such as mammography or ultrasound, and in some cases, a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Preventing breast pain may not always be possible, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and wearing a well-fitting bra, may help reduce the risk of developing breast pain.
You should see a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe breast pain, breast pain accompanied by other symptoms such as a lump or discharge, or if you have a family history of breast cancer.
