Many women experience breast pain. Breast pain may occur in one or both breasts.
(See also Overview of Breast Disorders.)
Causes of Breast Pain
Likely causes of breast pain depend on whether the pain is felt in a particular place or throughout the whole breast.
If pain occurs in one area, it may be caused by
Uncommonly, breast infections, such as an abscess
If pain affects the whole breast, it may be caused by
Hormonal changes
Large breasts that stretch supporting tissues
Occasionally, a widespread breast infection
If breast pain is the only symptom, it is usually not a sign of breast cancer.
Changes in the levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause breast pain. Levels of these hormones increase just before or during a menstrual period and during pregnancy. When these levels increase, they cause the milk glands and ducts of the breasts to enlarge and the breasts to retain fluid. The breasts then become swollen and sometimes painful. Such pain is usually felt throughout the breasts, making them tender to touch. Pain related to the menstrual period may come and go for months or years. Taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone therapy after menopause can also cause hormone levels to increase and cause this kind of pain.
Evaluation of Breast Pain
Warning signs
Certain symptoms and characteristics are cause for concern:
Severe pain, redness, and swelling
Presence of a lump, an inverted nipple, or certain changes in the skin
When to see a doctor
Women with severe pain, redness, or swelling may have a breast infection and should see a doctor within a day or two.
Breast pain that persists (for example, that lasts for more than 1 month) should be evaluated by a doctor.
What a doctor does
Doctors ask a woman to describe the pain. They ask whether pain occurs at certain times of the month (related to the menstrual cycle). They also ask about other symptoms, disorders, and medications (such as birth control pills) that may suggest a possible cause.
Doctors examine the breast and nearby tissues for abnormalities, such as changes in the skin, lumps, and tenderness. If no abnormalities are present, the pain is probably due to hormonal changes or large breasts.
A pregnancy test is done if a woman has symptoms that suggest pregnancy, such as a missed menstrual period and early-morning nausea. Other tests may be done based on a woman's other symptoms.
Treatment of Breast Pain
Mild breast pain usually disappears eventually, even without treatment.
Pain that occurs during menstrual periods
testosteroneestrogen and progesterone, which can make the breasts swell and be painful. If taken a long time, these medications have side effects and are thus usually used for only a short time.
Stopping use of birth control pills or endocrine therapy may help relieve symptoms.
Evening primrose oil, a nutritional supplement, may help relieve breast pain related to menstrual periods or pregnancy in some women.
If a specific disorder is identified as the cause, the disorder is treated. For example, if a cyst is the cause, draining the fluid from the cyst usually relieves the pain.
Key Points
The cause of breast pain depends on whether it occurs in one area (usually caused by cysts) or the whole breast (caused by hormonal changes, fibrocystic changes, or large breasts).
If breast pain is the only symptom, it is usually not a sign of breast cancer.
Breast pain that is severe or that lasts for more than 1 month should be evaluated.
Whether testing is needed depends on a woman's other symptoms.
