Breast Pain

Breast pain is any discomfort, tenderness, or pain in the breast or underarm region, and it may occur for a number of reasons. Generally, breast pain is not a sign of breast cancer.

Should breast pain cause me to be concerned about breast cancer?

Although many women with pain in one or both breasts may be concerned that it is breast cancer, breast pain is NOT commonly a symptom of cancer.

What Causes Breast Pain?

There are a number of harmless causes for breast pain and tenderness that may primarily be related to changes in hormone levels. These can include:

  • Puberty in girls and sometimes for boys, too
  • Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Pregnancy – more often during the first trimester
  • Days following childbirth as milk comes in Breastfeeding Mastitis, which is caused by a milk duct that is not properly draining and becomes infected, should be treated. It has no correlation with cancer, but it can become a serious infection if left untreated.
  • Menopause

Fibrocystic Breast Tissue

Some women have lumpy breast tissue called fibrocystic breasts, which may be more painful during certain times of the month. Fibrocystic breasts are not necessarily linked to cancer, and the lumps are fluid filled cysts rather than a mass of cells. Fibrocystic breast changes are also a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.

Certain Medications May Cause Breast Pain

Known correlations that may trigger increased breast pain include:

  • Digitalis preparations
  • Methyldopa (Aldomet)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)
  • Certain diuretics
  • Anadrol
  • Chlorpromazine

When Is Breast Pain Correlated With Breast Cancer?

Breast pain is usually present to some degree with Inflammatory Breast Cancer which has other distinct symptoms as well. Rarely, a breast tumor may cause pain, but generally cancerous tumors are not reported as painful.

What should I do if I am experiencing breast pain?

If you experience breast pain, contact your physician.

If You Experience Pain Along With Any Of The Following Symptoms, You Should Contact Your Physician.

  • Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple
  • A new lump with the onset of the pain; lump does not go away after your menstrual period
  • Persistent, unexplained breast pain
  • Signs of a breast infection, including local redness, pus, or fever