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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by seeing your family doctor, a general practitioner or other care provider. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a breast health specialist.
What you can do
The initial evaluation of your breast pain focuses on your medical history. You'll discuss with your doctor the location of the breast pain, its relation to your menstrual cycle and any other relevant breast history that might explain the cause of your pain. You can facilitate this discussion by preparing ahead of time:
- Take note of all your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Review key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you regularly take.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you questions about:
- How long you've experienced the breast pain
- The severity of your pain on a 10-point scale
- Whether the pain occurs in one or both breasts
- When you had your last mammogram
- Whether you have other signs or symptoms, such as a breast lump, area of thickening or nipple discharge
- If you have skin changes, such as redness or a rash
Your doctor also may assess your personal risk of breast cancer, based on factors such as your age, family medical history and prior history of precancerous breast lesions.
- Smith RL, et al. Evaluation and management of breast pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004;79:353.
- Miltenburg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Richardson J. Breast signs and symptoms: Breast pain. In: Adams Hillard PJ. The 5-Minute Obstetrics and Gynecology Consult. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:22.
- Golshan M, et al. Breast pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
- Millet AV, et al. Clinical management of breast pain: A review. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 2002;57:451.
- Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:59.
- Rodden AM. Common breast concerns. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:103.
- Parsay S, et al. Therapeutic effects of vitamin E on cyclic mastalgia. The Breast Journal. 2009;15:510.
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