Breast Pain: A Common Problem, Does Not Alarms Breast Cancer and neither is a predominant symptom for Breast Cancer.

Breast Pain: A Common Problem, Does Not Alarms Breast Cancer and neither is a predominant symptom for Breast Cancer.

Breast pain is commonly referred to as Mastalgia. Mastalgia is defined as breast tenderness and pain. Breast pain are broadly classified as cyclic pain and noncyclic pain

Cyclic pain is the most common type of the breast pain pattern seen in young womens. It comes and goes with menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes are responsible for cyclic pain pattern and patient has pain in both the breast. Pain is severe before menstruation and the intensity decreases and sheds away after the menstrual cycle. Pain is a radiating pain and often radiates in arms and armpits.

Noncyclic pain are typically seen in women’s aged 35 – 60 years. Noncyclic pain is a non radiating pain and is often described as sharp and burning pain. Noncyclic pain affects only one breast and in one area only, fibroadenoma and or a cyst could be the underlying cause. Noncyclic pain can only be treated and cured if the underlying cause is identified.

Treatment:

Cyclic Pain:

• Acetaminophen

• Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs Like Naproxen, Ibuprofen and Asprin

• Opiod Analgesic like Tramadol for severe pain

• Oral contraceptive pills can be prescribed but breast pain is also a know side effect for oral contraceptive

• Danazol and Tamoxifen citrate are used for sever breast cyclic pain.

Can Breast Pain be prevented?

The real answer is NO but a use of sports bra during exercise might help with tenderness or any further discomfort.

Does use of Evening Primrose oil, Vitamin E, Iodine, Chasteberry or Flax seed help with Cyclic and Noncyclic Breast Pain?

There are no clinical trial data available to support the claim. They are however used as a supplements and help reduce cyclic pain.