Breast Pain - What Are The Causes And Symptoms?

Breast pain is any discomfort or aching in one or both breasts. There can be many reasons behind this, like hormonal fluctuations, medications, infections, and cysts, among others. However, going against the common myth, breast pain is usually not associated with breast cancer. But, if you have pain consistently in one side of your breast consult a doctor immediately. They may recommend tests to detect if it has any connection to cancer.

What Are The Possible Causes Of Breast Pain?

As mentioned earlier, there are several reasons why you may get breast pain. Some of them are:

Hormonal Fluctuations

Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are the major developmental stages that affect the menstrual cycle and result in breast pain. You may feel an ache in your breasts if you are on hormone replacement therapy, during pre-, peri- and post-menopause, breastfeeding, and menstruation, too. The pain that happens during your menstrual cycle is called "cyclical" breast pain, and it can come and leave with your ovulation and periods.

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Cysts

If you have breast cysts, there can be pain on one side. If you develop fibrocystic breast tissue, the breasts may be tender and lumpy. While this is not something to worry about, visit a doctor nonetheless.

Breastfeeding

Various reasons can result in pain while breastfeeding, including mastitis (inflammation of milk ducts involving infection), engorgement (breasts flooded with milk), and improper latch (when the baby doesn't latch properly).

Other Causes Of Breast Pain May Be:

• Extramammary concerns
• Incorrect bra support
• Neck, shoulder, or back injuries and sprains
• Medications like contraceptive pills and a few antidepressants

What Are The Symptoms Of Breast Pain?

As mentioned earlier, breast pain is cyclic during the menstrual cycle. It can also be noncyclic, where the pain is constant without a regular pattern. If the breast pain is cyclic:

• It's connected to the menstrual cycle and fluctuations in your hormone levels
• The pain is dull and heavy
• There might be breast swelling or fullness
• It generally affects both breasts

If the breast pain is noncyclic:

• It is described as a burning, tight, stabbing, or aching sensation
• It is intermittent or constant
• It is localized and focused in one area
• It mostly happens after menopause

If it is extramammary breast pain, it happens outside the breasts. For example, if you pull a muscle in your chest, you might feel breast pain. Arthritis involving the cartilage in your chest, aka costochondritis, can also give rise to this pain.

As aforementioned, it is not a problem but make an appointment if:

• The breast pain happens regularly for more than a fortnight
• There's a specific area of your breast that is affected
• The pain worsens with time
• Your daily activities get interfered
• Your sleep gets disturbed

If you experience breast pain, do not conclude that you have cancer but do follow through with your doctor and get the diagnostic tests done if they prescribe the same.

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