Breast pain

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most cases of breast pain are classified as either cyclic or noncyclic. Each type of breast pain has distinct characteristics.

Breast pain characteristics
Cyclic breast pain Noncyclic breast pain
  • Clearly related to the menstrual cycle
  • Described as dull, heavy or aching
  • Often accompanied by breast swelling or lumpiness
  • Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
  • Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of your period, then eases up afterward
  • Usually affects premenopausal women in their 20s and 30s and perimenopausal women in their 40s
  • Unrelated to the menstrual cycle
  • Described as tight, burning or sore
  • Constant or intermittent
  • Usually affects one breast, in a localized area, but may spread more diffusely across the breast
  • Usually affects postmenopausal women

Extramammary breast pain
Extramammary breast pain feels like it originates in the breast, but its source is actually somewhere else. Pulling a muscle in your chest, for example, can cause pain in your chest wall or rib cage.

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if:

  • You have breast pain that persists daily for more than a couple of weeks
  • Your breast pain is localized to one specific area of your breast
  • Your breast pain seems to be getting worse over time
  • Your breast pain interferes with daily activities

Although it's not a common symptom of breast cancer, localized breast pain is associated with breast cancer in a small percentage of women.

Causes Definition
References
  1. Smith RL, et al. Evaluation and management of breast pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004;79:353.
  2. Miltenburg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
  3. 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.
  4. Golshan M, et al. Breast pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
  5. Millet AV, et al. Clinical management of breast pain: A review. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 2002;57:451.
  6. 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.
  7. Rodden AM. Common breast concerns. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:103.
  8. Parsay S, et al. Therapeutic effects of vitamin E on cyclic mastalgia. The Breast Journal. 2009;15:510.
DS00760 July 13, 2010

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