|
Breast pain is one of the most common breast problems. Pain can range from mild to severe,
and sometimes requires treatment. It may affect one or both breasts, or can radiate into the
armpit. In general, breast pain is not a sign of cancer.
Categories of breast pain
There are 3 categories of breast pain: pain related to the menstrual cycle, pain not affected by
the menstrual cycle, and pain originating in the chest that feels as though it is in the breast.
Breast pain related to the menstrual cycle: This pattern of pain seems to be related to
changes in hormone levels. Women usually feel increased breast pain before their menstrual
period and a reduction in pain afterwards. Pain can be present with or without accompanying
lumpiness of the breast due to a fibrocystic condition. Because stress can also affect
hormone levels, this may influence breast pain. Breast pain is a common symptom of PMS.
Breast pain not affected by the menstrual cycle: This type of breast pain can show up in
either premenopausal or postmenopausal women. It may be felt in one specific area of the
breast, and is sometimes called "target zone" breast pain. It may occur in one or both breasts.
In some women it lasts for as long as one or 2 years, then disappears.
Sometimes this pain is caused by trauma to the breast, or will center on the site of a previous
breast biopsy. In most cases, doctors don’t know the cause of this continuous type of pain.
Although breast cancer is very rare in women with this form of pain, it still must be ruled out
with tests.
Breast pain originating in the chest: This category is not really a form of breast pain, but is
actually a type of chest pain that feels as though it is coming from the breast. This type of
arthritic pain originates in the middle of the chest, and is called costochondritis. It occurs
where the ribs and breastbone connect. Poor posture and the aging process can contribute to
increased stress on these joints, resulting in pain. This pain does not change with the
menstrual cycle.
Evaluating breast pain
Physicians evaluate breast pain by identifying its location and assessing its pattern, including
its strength and how long it lasts. It is also important to know how much the pain interferes
with a woman’s daily activities. A doctor’s assessment will include a woman’s medical history,
physical exam, and, in some cases, a mammogram (X-ray of the breast) if the woman is over
35 years old, or an ultrasound exam. Surgical biopsy is not usually recommended. For most
women with breast pain, the most important reason for a careful evaluation is to gain
reassurance that the pain is not due to breast cancer.
Treatment can include medication, lifestyle changes, and diet changes
Medication: Medication for pain relief is generally needed only in cases of severe, disabling
pain. In women with costochondritis, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications may be
prescribed. Since pain relief medication can have unwanted side effects, it is worthwhile
incorporating various lifestyle changes that can help reduce or eliminate the pain in many
women.
Lifestyle changes: Wearing a good, supportive bra reduces excess movement of the
breasts, which can contribute to the pain. Also, learning how to relax the body fully can
reduce stress-related hormones, which may affect the breasts. Many women have found
meditation and visualization helpful in quieting the mind. An exercise program may be
beneficial, as well.
Diet changes: Although evidence of reduced breast pain from dietary change is not
conclusive, many women have found it helpful to:
 |
Eliminate caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate) |
 |
Reduce dietary fat by reducing intake of baked goods, meat, and high-fat dairy products, and increasing fruit, vegetables, and grains. |
 |
Reduce salt intake. |
 |
Take vitamin supplements. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about recommended doses (vitamin E, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and evening primrose oil). |
|
