Breast Pain

By Dr. Paweena Luadthai

       Breast pain is one of the most common symptoms found in patients who come for consultation with the breast clinic. Many may be concern whether this kind of pain is associated with cancer or not. Let us take a quick look at what causes breast pain and how to take care of it.

       There are many causes for breast pain. Medically these symptoms are divided into 3 major types which are:

       1. Cyclic Breast Pain

       2. Noncyclic Breast Pain

       3. Extramammary breast pain

       Breast pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle may have pain on either one or both sides, one may have a localized pain points, therefore, in such cases, it must be further inspected to see if there are other disorders, such as tumors, abnormal secretions or whether there is swelling, redness and warm sensation. Additional special examinations such as ultrasound should be considered and treat accordingly to the cause once found. For early stage breast cancer, there is usually no breast pain except for when the tumor is large, sore/lesion and inflammation occurring at site.

       Extramammary breast pain, breast pain caused by external causes such as pain from chest muscle, joints and cartilage in the chest area or even Angina, an attack caused by reduced oxygen in the blood reaching the heart. When a patient sees a doctor, patient’s health, medical history and physical examination along with special investigation will be done to assess the pain level and finding the cause. Generally, patients are afraid of breast cancer, thus, doctors will examine to distinguish and provide confirmation to ease patient’s anxiety. Studies have shown that several patients who have received diagnosis with clarification to have breast cancer concerns removed from the picture results in subsiding pain from the breast with just consultation alone. 

       Cyclical breast pain, or breast pain associated with menstrual cycle are considered normal. Both breasts are typically affected, especially the upper, outer portions and some may experience radiating to the underarm. Pain becomes more intense a few days before or when period begins. In such events, if pain persist affecting one’s daily life, or causing distress, painkiller and medication to reduce estrogen and prolactin levels will help alleviate pain.

       Treatment in breast pain will be prescribed accordingly to the cause however, when the severity of pain persist even after investigation has been confirmed with no root cause to be found, pain medicine beginning with paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, morphine & derivatives or even drugs to lower hormones such as Danazol, Bromocriptine, etc. 

       As for other treatments to help resolves pain, it is recommended to exercise, control weight, avoid an ill-fitting bra, abstain from caffeinated beverages, reduce foods that are saturated in fat and add foods that are unsaturated fat, or essential fatty acid such as Evening Primrose Oil or Sunflower Oil. There have been comparative studies with the placebo groups and found that pain was equally reduced, however, some doctors still recommend that nutritional supplements be taken since it is likely safe and does not have severe side effects. Nonetheless, it is recommended to see a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis when any irregular symptoms relating to the breast has been noticed.