In some instances, the pain may be due to something more serious.
Take time to observe the pop in of pain and location:Do you have dull or sharp pain?
Is it in one breast?
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Does it come and go, or is it constant?
Is it mild or severe?
This article will explore the many possible causes of different types of breast pain and how they are treated.
Illustration by Alexandra Gordon, Verywell
Cyclic Mastalgia
Cyclical mastalgiais breast pain that occurs with phases of your menstrual cycle.
The condition is typically bilateral, meaning it affects both breasts.
The pain is often described as a dull, heavy ache.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
This causes them to become swollen, achy, and tender to the touch.
Menopause
Cyclic mastalgia can worsen duringperimenopausewhen hormones can surge and drop erratically.
Perimenopause is the time beforemenopausewhen your ovaries gradually stop working.
The pain can sometimes persist well into menopause when ovulation stops, particularly if you are on estrogen-replacement therapy.
Symptoms include tender lumps and bumps in the breast along with breast swelling and diffuse pain.
Breast tissue may also feel ropey and hard.
As your period approaches, the soft, round cysts can gradually become more and more painful.
Noncyclic breast pain may sometimes bechronic(long-lasting) oracute(developing suddenly and often severely).
It can feel dull, sharp, or burning depending on the underlying cause.
Many cases are unilateral (affecting one breast) but some are bilateral.
Obesity and Large Breasts
Obesityis defined as abody mass index (BMI)of 30 or greater.
At this weight, the accumulation of fat in the breasts can increase their density and weight.
(The ligaments are not found in male breasts.)
Similar breast pain may be felt in females of normal weight who have very large breasts.
The pain may worsen if a supportive bra is not worn.
Even after the injury heals, pain can persist in some people due tofat necrosis.
Fat necrosis describes the death of fat cells due to disrupted blood flow.
These injuries can cause a sharp stabbing or burning pain that can worsen with arm and shoulder movement.
Some breast fibroadenomas can be as small as a lentil or as big as a plum.
They may change in size during your menstrual cycle due to fluctuating hormones.
This is normal, and symptoms usually resolve over time.
However, if you don’t follow your postoperative rehabilitation plan, including gentle stretching exercises,adhesionscan form.
Breast Infections
There are different infections that can affect the breast, most of which are bacterial.
These include common bacteria likeStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcusspecies, andKlebsiella pneumoniae.
Fungal infections are far less common and typically affect people who areimmunocompromised.
These include:
Neither ductal ectasia nor a solitary intraductal papilloma increases the risk of breast cancer.
However, if you have multiple papillomas, your risk is increased slightly.
In some cases, abreast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanwill be needed.
Biopsy
Abreast biopsyis a procedure during which cells are removed from an area of concern.
This is the only definitive way to diagnose or rule out breast cancer.
Once the cells are collected, a medical specialist called a pathologist will examine the cells with a microscope.
How Is Breast Pain Treated?
The treatment plan for your breast pain will depend on your diagnosis.
While some conditions may require simple self-care strategies, other conditions require medical or surgical interventions.
Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for mastitis and for non-resolving ductal ectasia.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed for the treatment of certain types of breast pain.
For example, if an abscess is found on the breast, surgical drainage could be necessary.
Likewise, for most people with breast cancer, surgery is an essential part of the treatment plan.
It’s important to see your healthcare provider about breast pain since treatment will depend on the cause.
Once an appropriate diagnosis is made, you might get started on treatment to help ease your pain.
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