Many women experience painful breasts with tenderness and soreness, and wonder why their breasts hurt and feel heavy and start worrying about whether it could be a sign of breast cancer. However, only a sign of breast pain does not indicate breast cancer, as the pain is bothersome but is rarely a sign of cancer; breast pain interferes with your day-to-day tasks and should be checked by the best breast cancer doctor to know the causes and to get it treated. Breast pain is very common among women, as about 75 to 80 percent of them experience this pain at some point in life.  Breast pain is also termed as mastalgia, and it often occurs during the time of the  menstrual cycle and can be in one or both breasts.  It can be sharp, mild or even shooting pain and can be due to many reasons.

Also read: Top 10 Quick Remedy for Breast Pain

Types of breast pain 

Breast pain is of many types, and you must understand them well to know when you have to take it seriously : 

• Cyclic breast pain 

It is the type of breast pain which  occurs in both breasts a day before the menstrual cycle. It is said to be the most common pain in women; however, it disappears for set periods, but in some cases, it may become severe and extend throughout the cycle. In many cases, the pain improves with time, irrespective of the type of treatment. 

 

• Non-cyclic breast  pain 

It is also a type of breast pain in one breast that is not related to the menstrual cycle and can be due to pregnancy or trauma. The pain can be experienced in one breast and begins in the nipple and radiates to the armpit. This pain is also very common and resolves on its own; if it persists for more than three months, then it needs medical attention. 

Causes of  breast pain 

Breast pain involves discomfort, pain and tenderness in the breast or underarm area and can be due to many reasons. It affects many females in their reproductive years and is the most frequent complaint in the ages of 15 to 40.  There are many causes of breast pain that you must understand : 

• Hormonal changes 

Hormonal fluctuations are said to be the primary cause of breast pain in women. Females feel breast tenderness or soreness a few days before their menstrual periods. This is because of the rise of progesterone and estrogen in their body. This pain is a cyclic type and is nothing to worry about, and it goes away when your period begins. 

 

• Incorrect bra fit 

Another reason for the breast pain can be the fit of your bralette, as if you wear a tight-fitting bra, especially an underwire bra, then it can cause the pain. This is because the inflammation in the ligaments that connect your breast to the chest wall becomes painful and overstretched. However, it can be managed well by wearing a properly-fitting bra and a non-wired one. Also, you must wear supportive bras when exercising. 

 

• Fibrocystic breast tissue

Another reason for breast pain is the lumpy breast tissue,, also termed fibrocystic breasts, which develops pain during certain times of the month. The main cause of this type of issue is hormonal fluctuations; however, keep in mind that lupus is not also connected with breast cancer, as they are fluid-filled cysts that can be managed and treated effectively by using warm and cold compresses and taking over-the-counter medications. 

 

• Breast injury 

It can be another cause of breast pain in women, as breasts are susceptible to injuries, same like any other body part. These injuries can be injured due to accidents, surgery, getting impacted, nats, etc. This injury can cause swelling of the breast vein and form a blood clot and lead to severe pain that can last for a few days to weeks post-treatment.

 

• Medications

Certain medications are also responsible for the breast pain as they trigger the pain extremely. These medications can be for mental health conditions, hormonal therapies, high BP or for low blood cell count.  However, you have to discuss this with your doctor to get your medication changed to solve the issue.

 

• Breastfeeding and infection

It is also one of the causes of breast pain, as breastfeeding can cause cracked and sore nipples. The time you can feel sharp pain, but that pain can lead to breast pain; however, it can be eased by using ointments or by softening the nipples before breastfeeding.  Also, breast infection can be the cause of pain sometimes and is termed as Mastitis, which is swelling and inflammation of the breasts. Breast infection is common in breastfeeding women and rare in women who are not breastfeeding.

 

Breast pain treatment

To get the breast pain treatment, you need a proper diagnosis by an expert, and for that, the breast surgeon will confirm the cause first, and for that, they will examine changes in the breast and the lymph nodes in the lower neck and underarm. Then the expert will inspect the heart, lungs, chest and abdomen to know the exact location of pain. If the doctor detects any lump of pain in breast tissue, then they might recommend mammograms of the specific pain and proceed with the treatment accordingly. After knowing the exact  root cause of the pain, the breast surgeon may advise you : 

• To wear a proper fit bra is needed, and we will also suggest that you apply topical anti-inflammatory drugs. 
• He may also suggest changing the birth control pill if you use it, and also advise you to change your method of birth control to lessen breast pain symptoms. 
• Also, the doctor may suggest a lower dosage of hormone therapy for menopause if you are at the menopausal stage and will also recommend using approved medication if you have been diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts. 

 

When to worry about breast pain- Whom to consult? 

Breast pain is very common, but should not be ignored, as it can be alarming as well. Pain in the breast can end for many reasons, and breast cancer is also on the rise. Prevention is better than cure, and thus, you must consult the best breast cancer doctor to get yourself evaluated to know the exact cause of your pain. Breast pain needs proper evaluation by experts to rule out the conditions and to get appropriate treatment on time.  You should not ignore the breast pain symptoms; however, many times it resolves itself, but if you notice any changes in your breasts or any other connecting signs, then it is time to consult a specialist to get the treatment on time. Consult the doctor immediately if : 

 

• You notice new or unexplained lumps or masses in the breast, whether painful or not. The Thai pumps should be properly evaluated by a doctor to get treatment.
• If you experience persistent pain in the breasts and if not related to the menstrual cycle, it needs proper evaluation and guidance from a breast specialist.
• If you notice nipple discharge, especially bloody  
• If you have breast pain along with fever and infection, it can be a sign of breast infection and which needs proper treatment.
• If you have a family history of breast cancer and are at risk, discuss your concerns with the breast cancer doctor in Gurgaon to get help.
• If your symptoms are worsening with time and returning to be more severe, visit the specialist immediately. 

 

Conclusion 

Early detection of breast-related concerns will be helpful . If you seek the best breast pain treatment in Gurgaon, consult Dr Rajeev Aggarwal . He has more than 40 years of experience and is a board-certified surgeon known for handling many breast cancer patients and has a patient-centric approach.  He specializes in and has extreme precision in detecting and diagnosing breast pain treatment, along with the surgical interventions. Consult DR Rajeev Aggarwal, a well-known breast cancer surgeon in Gurgaon is for expert valuation and to get appropriate treatment and care.