Breasts are specialized sweat glands developed to produce milk to feed newborn children. Breasts are comprised of connective tissue, glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Swelling and tenderness of breasts can be caused by physiological factors and pathological ones.
Causes
Swollen and aching breasts do not necessarily signify a disease. Pregnancy and hormonal changes during a menstrual cycle or hormonal changes due to contraceptives can cause swelling and pain in your breasts. Cancer, mastitis, or inflammation of the breasts, and trauma are pathological causes of breast pain and swelling.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing of the reason behind breast pain and swelling is best carried out by a medical professional. MRI, mammogram, blood analysis, medical consultation and ultrasound are commonly used methods in discerning the reason for changes in a woman's breasts.
Treatment
Treatment of breast pain and swelling is carried out in accordance with the cause. Tumors are treated using surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these methods. Mastitis is treated using surgical means, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Pregnancy requires no treatment, but R.A. Abrahamyan, a U.N. expert in gynecology and obstetrics advises pregnant women to have frequent medical checkups during the course of their pregnancy.
Resolution
In some cases, breast pain may resolve itself without medical intervention. Breast pain due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, or minor trauma may resolve by itself. If breast pain is severe or does not resolve during the course of one menstrual cycle, the experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend seeking medical attention.
Complications
If left untreated, swollen and painful breasts may cause serious and possibly life threatening complications. Tumor malignization, tumor spread, milk stasis and abscess can develop if breast pain or swelling is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.
References
- "Gynaecology" ; Razmik A. Abrahamyan 2002
- "Obsetrics"; R.A. Abrahamyan; 2004
- Mayo Clinic : Health : Breast Lump, Early Evaluation is Essential
- Mayo Clinic: Health : Mastitis
