Breast Pain

Breast pain, known medically as mastalgia, is discomfort felt in one or both breasts. It is one of the most common breast-related complaints and is usually not a sign of anything serious. The pain may be described as tenderness, heaviness, burning, or a sharp or aching sensation, and it can be constant or come and go. Doctors often divide breast pain into two types: cyclical pain, which is linked to the menstrual cycle and tends to affect both breasts, and noncyclical pain, which is unrelated to the cycle and is more likely to be felt in one area. Understanding that breast pain is rarely caused by cancer can help relieve a common and understandable worry.

Breast pain has many possible causes, and most are not serious. They include:

• Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which drive cyclical pain and can make both breasts feel swollen and tender in the days before a period.
• The weight of larger breasts or an ill-fitting bra, which can cause aching and discomfort.
• Cysts, breast infections such as mastitis, or previous breast surgery.
• Problems in the muscles, joints, or ribs of the chest wall, which can be mistaken for breast pain.
• Certain medications, including some hormonal treatments, which may cause tenderness.

Importantly, breast cancer rarely causes pain as its only symptom, which is why isolated breast pain without other changes is usually reassuring.

Although breast pain is usually harmless, certain situations call for medical evaluation. A person should seek care if the pain is accompanied by a lump, if it is persistent and stays in one specific area, or if it is severe enough to interfere with daily life or sleep. Signs of a possible infection — such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever — should be assessed promptly, especially in someone who is breastfeeding. Any breast pain that occurs together with other changes, such as nipple discharge or a change in the skin or shape of the breast, also warrants a professional opinion so that the cause can be identified and managed.