Breast Pain: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Breast pain also known as mastalgia, is common. It may be due to many possible causes such as; an incorrect bra fit hormonal imbalance and infections. In some cases, breast pain is actually referred pain coming from other body areas, such as neck or back.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of breast pain and its treatment.

What Causes Of Breast Pain?

#1. Hormonal Changes –

Swollen or tender breasts may be related to the hormonal changes taking before periods. Tenderness in both the breasts may extend to the armpit.

#2. Bra Fit –

Tight bras can cause of breast pain. Also, bra with underwire digs into the breast skin and breast tissue and causes pain.

#3. Fibrocystic Breast Changes –

They are harmless but uncomfortable. They make breasts to lumpy due to hormonal fluctuations.

#4. Mastitis –

Mastitis is referred to swelling in the breasts. This condition mostly affects breastfeeding females.

#5. Certain Medications –

Certain medications contribute to breast pain such as digoxin

#6. Scar Tissue –

Radiation therapy and surgery for breast cancer leads to scar tissue formation. Ifthe scar tissue develops around nerves, it causes numbness and pain.

#7. Neck, Back, or Shoulder Sprains –

Breast pain may also originate from outside the breast for example, injuries in the neck, back or shoulder.

#8. Costochondritis-

It is inflammation of the costal cartilage that connects the breastbone to ribs.

How To Diagnosis Of Breast Pain Done?

To evaluate and diagnose your condition following tests are done:

#1. Clinical Breast Exam –

The doctor checks for the changes in the breasts by breast examination and examining the lymph nodes in arm and lower neck. Your health care provide also listens to your lungs and heartcheck your chest. In addition, abdomen examination is done to determine whether the pain is related to another condition affection heart, lung or chest. If your medical history and physical exam reveal there is nothing unusual, no additional tests are required.

#2. Mammogram

If after breast examination your doctor suspects unusual thickening, breast lump or a focused area of pain you’ll asked to get an X-ray exam of your breast to evaluate the area of concern.

#3. Ultrasound

An ultrasound exam with the help of sound waves is used to produce images of both breasts, and is often done along with a mammogram.

#4. Breast Biopsy

Suspicious unusual breast lumps or the areas of thickening seen during imaging and exams may require a biopsy to make a diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of breast tissue is obtained from the area of concern and the sample is send to the lab for analysis.

What Is The Treatment Of Breast Pain?

Breast pain in most of the cases resolves on its own with time without any treatment. In some cases your doctor may prescribe:

Elimination Of Underlying Aggravating Factor

This includes a simple adjustments, such as wearing a suppotive bra.

Use Of A Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) Medication –

When the pain is intense NSAID is given. Apply NSAID cream as directed by your doctor.

Adjust To Birth Control Pills –

If you taking birth control pills you may be asked by your doctor to skip the pills for a week and this may help breast pain symptoms.

Reducing Dose Of Menopausal Hormone Therapy –

With advise of your doctor you may require to lower the dose of menopausal hormone therapy

Take The Prescribed Medication –

Your doctor may prescribe Danazol.

If you experience breast pain, we advise you to consult your health care provider for proper diagnosis and required treatment. Self- medicationshould not be done.