Breast tenderness or pain, also called mastalgia, can be caused by many things. It may come and go or be chronic. It can be sharp, dull, stabbing, burning or feel like a tightness. Some conditions cause pain in just one breast, while in other cases both breasts are tender. It is always advisable to have any tenderness, swelling or breast pain properly diagnosed, to rule out serious medical conditions.
Hormonal Changes
Breast pain is a common complaint among women before, during and after the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. The hormonal changes typical in menopause can also cause breast tenderness. Whenever the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone increase, either naturally or from medication, the milk glands and ducts in the breasts enlarge, which can cause pain and swelling. In some cases, changing the dosage of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may help. For breast pain that occurs during the menstrual cycle, changing the type of bra worn, taking pain medication or applying a topical anti inflammatory medication may help. If breast pain is severe or lasts beyond the menstrual cycle, it is important to seek medical care.
Infections
An infection in the breasts may also lead to pain and tenderness, states MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Infections are more common in women who are breastfeeding. Breast infections are cause by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which is normally present on the skin, but is able to enter the body through a cut or crack in the skin. If an infection is the cause, breast pain will most likely be accompanied by a fever, swelling, itching and a discharge from the nipple. Antibiotics will usually be prescribed to control the infection. In rare cases, an infection may be a warning sign of cancer. In these cases the lymph nodes in the armpit may also be swollen.
Cysts
Cysts in the breast form when the milk glands retain fluid and become abnormally large. Cysts are a common occurrence in women aged 40 to 60. There can be just one cyst or multiple growths. A cyst can be the size of a pea or grow to the size of a ping pong ball. An ultrasound or mammogram can help to detect them. If there are no severe symptoms, the cyst may not require treatment. In other cases it may need to be aspirated. According to The California Pacific Medical Center, approximately 1 in 1,000 cysts contains a tumor--but they are usually benign.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
The term fibrocystic breast disease, or fibrocystic change, is used to describe painful lumps that grow in the breasts. Why these changes to the breast occur in some women but not others is still not well understood. However, they appear to be related to hormonal changes that cause the breast tissue to form lumps. They do not indicate an increased risk of breast cancer, and this condition tends to improve as a woman reaches menopause.
Breast Cancer
Breast pain is very rarely a warning sign of breast cancer. If there is pain it may be from a tumor pressing on the tissue, inflammation caused by the cancer, side effects of treatment being received or ulcers that are secondary to the breast cancer. Pain that is persistent, occurs without any other explanation, continues to get worse, radiates to other areas of the body or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, fever, fatigue, headaches or nausea should be medically evaluated.
