Should I Worry About Pain in My Breast?

Although the pain in breast does not necessarily signify an alarming condition, it is still very important to watch for growing pain and symptoms in order to prevent the problem from becoming worse. Breast pain is very common in women and may affect women both before and after menopause. Worldwide, pain associated with breasts affect more than fifty percent of women. This pain may be caused by a variety of factors and can be either temporary or constant.

Breast pain and symptoms

There are some symptoms and conditions about breast pain that do not need to be concerned. On the other hand, some signs may indicate something is wrong with your breasts and thus, require immediate attention and treatments. Whichever possible causes might be, certain pain in breasts and the area nearby should be put into an account. As these symptoms might encounter the exact cause of the pain, observing them closely will be beneficial.

Should I worry about pain in my breasts?

There are some risk factors that may trigger pain in the breasts. Some pain might be severe that it spreads out to the armpit and even chest areas. Although many types of research state that pain in breasts is not necessarily harmful, other symptoms other than merely the pain may convey a problem around the organs which need to be figured out immediately.

Pain in the breasts is mainly divided into hormonal and non-hormonal problems. Hormonal breast pain is often related to menstruation and pregnancy, the two periods wherein certain female hormones boost and thus, influence the condition of certain organs, including the breasts. Some others, conversely, may refer to much more serious breast health issues, especially when this pain is accompanied by other visible physical changes of the breasts. Pain in breasts might also be temporary, intermittently, or rather constant, signifying some things differently. Thus, the pain will likely be harmless when showing these symptoms as:

• The pain affects both breasts and comes upon your menstrual cycle. This pain might still be endurable, although sharp pain that occurs intermittently might also be present. In addition to menstruation, the pain might also come during pregnancy, especially in the initial period of the first trimester or the third trimester. In some expecting mothers, the pain may still exist along with the pregnancy, followed by tightened breasts.
• The breasts might become tender during menstruation and pregnancy, but no hard lumps are detected all over it.
• The pain appears before the period begins, may become more intense during the menstruation, but eventually goes away without any specific treatments when the period ends.
• The pain may spread to underarms, without making you unable to move the arms. Although there is existing pain, this painful sensation does not reduce your ability to lift the arm.

Otherwise, you should see a doctor when noticing certain other symptoms that may convey information about more severe breast conditions.

• The pain influences only one of the breasts rather than both of them. Although the shapes of both breasts are naturally slightly different, if you are noticing shape change of the affected breast, go to the doctor immediately.
• There is discharge from the nipples. If you are lactating, this discharge will not be concerning, but if the pain is accompanied by nipple discharge while you are not lactating, this symptom should not be ignored. Rashes around the nipple may also occur, showing something is concerning about the breasts.
• There is a swollen lump felt on the armpit. The lump is commonly hard and stays on the same spot on breast or armpit from time to time.
• The pain gets much worse and is not related to either menstrual cycle or pregnancy. The pain may grow into stabbing pain, throbbing, or burning sensation that lasts longer. This pain usually occurs all over the breasts, nipple, and the armpits.
• There is a dimpling of the skin of the breast, although you have not had any trauma to the area before. This dimpling may cause the shape of the affected breast asymmetrical and thus, becomes more visible eventually. The dimpled skin may be located nearby or further to the nipple.