Understanding breast pain and what it means (original) (raw)

Breast pain may involve a dull ache, heaviness, tightness, or a burning sensation in the right or left breast tissue, or both. It often stems from hormonal changes, but other factors, including injuries, can also cause it.

Also known as also known as mastalgia, mammalgia, and mastodynia, breast pain is a common problem.

If the pain is linked to the menstrual cycle, it is called cyclical mastalgia (cyclical breast pain). Noncyclical breast pain is typically not linked to the menstrual cycle.

Breast pain includes any pain, tenderness or discomfort in the breast or underarm region, and can occur for various reasons.

Most cases of breast pain are not a cause for concern. However, there may be times when a person needs to speak with a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain.

Doctors may classify breast pain as “cyclic” (cyclical) or “noncyclic” (noncyclical).

Cyclical breast pain

According to a 2020 article, around 2 in 3 people with breast pain experience cyclical breast pain. The authors suggest that cyclical breast pain typically worsens over the last week of a menstrual cycle and may get better when a person’s period starts.

Hormonal changes that happen during the menstrual cycle may affect this type of breast pain.

Cyclical breast pain may involve the following symptoms:

• pain that comes and goes regularly, like the menstrual cycle
• tender breasts
• dull, heavy, aching breasts
• pain in both breasts
• pain that spreads to the underarm

Noncyclical breast pain

Noncyclical breast pain may involve the following symptoms:

• pain that affects one breast
• pain does not come and go in a menstrual cycle time loop
• continuous or sporadic pain
• variable pain, which may come and go or change in intensity

A person’s symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain. For example, if mastitis (inflammation in the breast) causes the pain, the breast may also be swollen and hot to the touch.

Some people may have chest pain, not breast pain. According to the 2020 article, chest wall pain may:

• affect one side
• start or worsen with physical activity
• affect either the side or the very middle of the chest
• worsen when someone places pressure on the chest wall

Various factors can cause chest wall pain. People should speak with a doctor for a diagnosis if they have chest wall pain.

Referral pain, which feels like it starts in the breast but actually begins elsewhere, or systemic pain, which affects the whole body, can also mimic breast pain.

Breast pain affects up to 70% of females during their lives. However, men can also experience breast pain.

In 10% to 20% of cases, pain is severe. In most cases, breast pain is not a sign of cancer. Other potential causes of breast pain include:

• hormone changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• breastfeeding
• dietary factors, including caffeine
• smoking
• medications
• breast surgery
• breast or chest injury
• cysts
• breast shape and weight
• inflammatory conditions

People can speak with a doctor for a proper diagnosis if they have breast pain. A doctor will consider a person’s symptoms and perform a physical exam to understand the underlying cause.

Treatment options and pain management strategies may depend on the underlying cause of the breast pain.

Because there are so many potential reasons for breast pain, complications depend on the specific causes.

People may also experience complications and adverse side effects due to breast pain treatments. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol), or prescribe medications, such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex).

Potential side effects of medications to treat breast pain include:

• headache
• nausea
• bloating
• vaginal dryness
• leg cramps
• hot flashes
• irregular periods
• weight gain

People should speak with their doctor if they experience side effects due to a new medication.

Breast pain is now always something to worry about. However, contacting a doctor can help a person learn the underlying cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.

People should contact a doctor if they experience the following symptoms:

• changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• nipple discharge
• a rash around the nipple
• dimpling on the skin of the breasts
• a lump or swelling in the breast or armpit
• pain in your armpits or breast that is not related to the menstrual cycle
• changes in the nipple’s appearance
• thickened tissue in the breast

Does breast cancer cause a burning sensation?

Burning pain is a potential symptom of inflammatory breast cancer. However, inflammatory breast cancer is rare, and various other factors can cause a burning sensation.

In cases of inflammatory breast cancer, a burning sensation may occur alongside swelling, skin discoloration, heaviness, and tenderness.

What causes a shooting, burning pain in one breast?

There are many causes of pain in one or both breasts, including injuries, medications, or hormonal changes. People should contact a healthcare professional to learn the underlying cause of their pain.

Can stress cause a burning sensation in one breast?

According to a 2021 observational study, anxiety and depression were more common in participants with breast pain.

Although the researchers do not state that anxiety can cause breast pain, they suggest that anxiety and depression may make it harder for a person to manage breast pain, leading to more severe symptoms.

Breast pain is usually not a cause for concern and rarely indicates breast cancer. Cyclical breast pain, which regularly comes and goes, may be due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Noncyclical breast pain can be due to a variety of causes, such as dietary issues, injury, and conditions that cause inflammation. In some cases, people may actually be experiencing chest pain or pain from another part of the body.

People should contact a doctor to learn the underlying cause of breast pain and receive the appropriate treatment. People should also contact a doctor if they have a lump in the breast or experience visual breast changes.