Understanding Breast Pain (Mastalgia): An Empowering Guide for Patients
- Yazan Masannat
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Why Do Breasts Hurt?
Extremely common: Breast pain affects many ladies regardless of age and is mostly due to benign causes. On its own, breast pain is rarely a sign of cancer, in-fact if you have only breast pain without any other symptom, the chance of having cancer is 1 in a hundred or less.
2. Types of Breast Pain
A. Cyclical Breast Pain (Hormone-Related)
This is the commonest reason to have breast pain and it it linked to the menstrual cycle hormone changes
Often felt a week before a period, with sensations like heaviness, burning, stabbing sensation or tightness. It may affect both breasts and can extend toward the armpit, arm, or shoulder
Usually resolves once your period starts.
Most people stop experiencing it after menopause—though it can persist with Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT.
B. Non-Cyclical Breast Pain
Not related to periods and can arise from:
Benign breast conditions (like cysts, fibrocystic changes)
Previous surgery or injury
Large breasts
Side effects of medications (including some antidepressants or herbal remedies such as ginseng)
Stress or anxiety
May affect either or both breasts, be localized or diffuse, and be continuous or intermittent. In roughly 50% of women, it resolves over time on its own.
C. Chest Wall (Extramammary) Pain
Pain felt in the breast area but originating from the chest wall, such as:
Pulled muscles
Costochondritis (rib cartilage inflammation)
Tietze’s syndrome
Referred pain from heart (angina) or digestive system (e.g., gallstones)
3. When to See a Doctor
Always consult your doctor if:
The pain is new, persistent, or strange.
You notice other changes (like lumps, skin dimpling, redness, discharge).
Persistent pain in one spot may need imaging to be safely checked, even though cancer is still uncommon.
If in any doubt, a breast clinic appointment is a wise step as constant or unusual breast pain should not be ignored.
4. Common Benign Causes Related to Breast Pain
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
A very common, non-cancerous condition affecting the majority of women aged 30–50. Characterized by lumpy breast texture and pain that varies with the menstrual cycle.
Breast Cysts
Fluid-filled sacs that may feel like soft grapes or water balloons. Often painful before a period and usually resolve naturally. Drainage can relieve symptoms if needed.
Mastitis & Blocked Milk Ducts (Breastfeeding)
Mastitis: Presents quickly with localized pain, warmth, redness, swelling, fever—requires antibiotics and ongoing milk expression.
Blocked duct: Causes tender lump and redness—often relieved by improving milk flow and breastfeeding technique.
Periductal Masitis and Breast Abscesses are infections in individuals that are not breast feeding.
5. How Breast Pain Is Diagnosed
Your doctor may use:
Pain charts to track timing and characteristics.
Physical exam—including leaning forward to discern breast vs chest wall pain
Imaging (ultrasound and/or mammogram) when pain is focal or accompanied by other concerns.
6. Management & Relief Options
Reassurance & Education
Simply explaining that breast pain is extremely common and benign often alleviates the majority of concerns—helping 75–85% of people require no further action.
Self-Care Measures
Supportive bras (even at night) can reduce pain.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen (NSAIDs) can help. Topical gels may offer extra relief.
Lifestyle adjustments: Reducing caffeine, fat, alcohol; applying gentle heat—but avoid burns!
Supplements: Evening primrose oil or starflower oil may help, but consult your doctor first (not suitable during pregnancy or for people with epilepsy).
Medical Treatments
For severe cases, tamoxifen or danazol may be considered under supervision.
Cyst drainage: A simple procedure to relieve discomfort with ladies with Breast Cysts if they are large enough to be Drained.
Chest wall pain: Managed based on cause—muscle rest and pain relief; for costochondritis, anti-inflammatories and time.
Mastitis or abscess: Treated promptly with antibiotics; imaging may be needed if abscess suspected combined with image guided aspiration in a breast clinic.
Final Thoughts
Breast pain is common and usually harmless. Understanding your pain—tracking its pattern, using lifestyle adjustments, and knowing when to seek help—can provide both comfort and confidence. You’re not alone, and help is always available.Book Online
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