Mastalgia (patient information)

Template:Mastalgia (patient informaion) Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast. There are many possible causes for breast pain. For example, hormone level changes from menstruation or pregnancy often cause breast tenderness. Some amount of swelling and tenderness just before your period is normal. Some women who have pain in one or both breasts may fear breast cancer. However, breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer.

What causes Mastalgia?

Some amount of breast tenderness is normal. The discomfort may be caused by hormone changes from:

Menopause (unless a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy) Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Pregnancy -- breast tenderness tends to be more common during the first trimester and in women who become pregnant at a young age Puberty in both girls and boys

Soon after having a baby, a woman's breasts may become swollen with milk. This can be very painful. If you also have an area of redness, call your health care provider.

Breastfeeding itself may also cause breast pain.

Fibrocystic breast changes are a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.

Certain medications may also cause breast pain, including:

Anadrol Chlorpromazine Diuretics Digitalis preparations Methyldopa (Aldomet) Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Shingles can lead to pain in the breast if the painful blistering rash appears on the skin over one of your breasts.

Where to find medical care for Mastalgia?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Mastalgia