Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (although most breast lumps are not cancer). A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be also soft, round, tender, or even painful.
Breasts can feel heavy and sore for many reasons. Menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are common reasons, but infections and cysts may also cause discomfort. Less commonly, pain may stem from cancer. Many different conditions can cause breast pain.
Symptoms of stage 1 breast cancer include skin irritation or dimpling, swelling/redness/scaling/flaking/thickening of the nipple or breast skin, change in the size or the shape of the breast, nipple turning inward, change in the appearance of a nipple, nipple discharge that is not breast milk, breast pain, nipple pain, ...
Stage 1 breast cancer means that the cancer is small and only in the breast tissue or it might be found in lymph nodes close to the breast. It is an early stage breast cancer. The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and how far it has spread. It helps your doctor decide the best treatment for you.
Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.
Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.
Many women experience breast pain as part of their normal menstrual cycle (periods). This is called cyclical breast pain. Lasting pain in the breast that's not related to periods is known as non-cyclical breast pain.
Sometimes, breast cancer can be felt in the back or shoulders rather than the chest or breasts. The pain is easily confused with sore muscles. However, the pain doesn't go away with stretching or changing position. Bone pain is a deep ache or throbbing.
Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of breast cancer. It can have different symptoms to other more common types. Your whole breast might look red, inflamed and feel sore. The breast might feel hard and the skin might look like orange peel.
Breast Pain Summary Recommendations
Ultrasound is the first test used in symptomatic women < 30 years old, or pregnant or lactating women.
Fibrocystic breasts are not necessarily linked to breast cancer, and the lumps are fluid filled cysts rather than a mass of cells. Fibrocystic breast changes are also a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.
Be breast aware
Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. This can change during your menstrual cycle. For example, some women have tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period. After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.
Breast sensitivity is not usually a sign of a serious condition. Possible causes of sensitivity can include hormonal changes, injuries, cysts, and breastfeeding issues. Wearing a supportive bra that does not irritate the breasts can help with many types of breast pain.
“However, it's important to note that sleeping on your stomach—with your chest pressed against the mattress for hours—is tough on your breasts,” notes Dr. Miller. And let's not forget the effects of side sleeping as well, this can cause your breast ligaments to stretch over time.
When does breast development begin and end? In general, breast development begins between the ages of 8 and 13. A girl's breasts are typically fully developed by age 17 or 18, however in some cases they can continue to grow into her early twenties.
Massaging your breasts can help flush the lymph fluid from your chest and ease any pain from swollen lymph nodes in that area.
"A breast lump will feel like a distinct mass that's noticeably more solid than the rest of your breast tissue. Lumps can range in size — from the size of a pea to larger than a golf ball — and may or may not be movable," says Dr. Joshi.
Use hot or cold compresses on your breasts. Wear a firm support bra, fitted by a professional if possible. Wear a sports bra during exercise, especially when your breasts may be more sensitive. Experiment with relaxation therapy, which can help control the high levels of anxiety associated with severe breast pain.
This topic last updated: Jul 11, 2022. Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page. Breast problems, such as breast lumps, breast pain or tenderness, nipple discharge or inversion, and changes in the skin of the breast, are common in women of all ages, from adolescents to older women.
Cutting back on salt, sugar, caffeine, and dairy may help. You might feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra during this time. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain. Regular exercise also may help lessen menstrual breast pain.
Breast cancer is not usually painful. A painless lump in one of the breasts tends to be the first symptom of breast cancer. However, around 2–7% of people with breast cancer experience pain as the primary symptom. Pain caused by breast cancer is typically gradual.