Breast Pain

Breast pain is a common breast problem. Although continued pain is a concern, it is rarely the only symptom of breast cancer. Most breast cancers involve a mass or lump, either found by the patient or her clinician or found as an abnormality on routine breast imaging. . 70% of women experience breast pain in their lives and only 15% will require treatment.  Please contact your care provider with any continuing breast pain and be sure to have a clinical breast examination prior to making your breast imaging appointment.

 There are two categories of breast pain.  Cyclical and non-cyclical

Cyclical breast pain is the normal pain that women experience, usually prior to your cycle or period.  It is due to hormone stimulation.   Here are some helpful tips:
•  Pain will occur before your menstrual period and then usually subsides
•  Will occur in both breasts
•  Pain is uncommon in post menopausal women unless they are on hormone replacement therapy
•  Pain can be associated with a lump, mass, swelling or cyst
•  Keep a diary of the pain if it persists.  This can help you determine  if the pain is cyclical.
•  Limit food which may contribute to premenstrual syndrome, which produce arachidonic acid.  These foods are certain cheeses, nuts, mushrooms, meats, wine and bananas.

Non-cyclical breast pain is pain not related to your menstrual cycle.
•  Less common than cyclical breast pain
•  Can be felt in a certain area or only one breast
•  Can be from injury or biopsy
•  May be an infection or abscess
•  May be in pre or post menopausal women
•  May be associated with pregnancy and  breast feeding
•  May be secondary to water retention
•  Will subside with time usually one to two years
•  Is most common in women 40-50 years old
•  Pain in chest muscle could be from exercise or inflammation  or trauma of ribs and sternum
•  May be caused by use of oral contraceptives and hormones
•  May be caused by weight gain
•  May be caused by an ill fitting bra
•  Most cancers do not cause pain, although cancer needs to be excluded, particularly if there is a lump in the breast.

Treatment of pain
•  Wear a good fitting bra
•  Take non prescription pain medications
•  Avoid caffeine
•  Limit foods that contribute to PMS like some types of cheeses and nuts, red meats, egg yolks, some vegetables.
•  Losing weight may help breast pain by stabilizing hormone levels
•  If felt to be related to water weight  gain take diuretics and avoid salt
•  Take vitamin E (400-800 IU’s per day) B1 or B6
•  Oral Evening Primrose Oil may help
•  For severe pain, see your care provider for prescription drugs such as Danazol or Bromocriptime
•  If pain is related to a cyst, removing the fluid or cyst aspiration may help
•  Surgery is usually not recommended

Please contact your care provider with any continuing breast symptoms and be sure to have a clinical breast exam prior to making your breast imaging appointment.