The most common type of breast pain is linked to the menstrual cycle, known as cyclic breast pain, and is nearly always based on hormonal fluctuations. Some people begin to have cyclic pain around the time of ovulation, continuing until the start of their menstrual period.
Most times, breast pain signals a noncancerous (benign) breast condition and rarely indicates breast cancer. Unexplained breast pain that doesn't go away after one or two menstrual cycles, or that persists after menopause, or breast pain that doesn't seem to be related to hormone changes needs to be evaluated.
Hormones are making your breasts sore.
These hormones cause your breasts to swell and can lead to tenderness. “It's normal to have breast tenderness that comes and goes around the time of your period,” says Wright. “It's nothing to worry about.”
You may feel heaviness, tenderness, a burning, prickling or stabbing pain, or a feeling of tightness. The pain usually affects both breasts but it can affect just 1. It can also spread to the armpit, down the arm and to the shoulder blade.
Breast pain that comes and goes may be related to hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle. Pain in the left breast only may also occur due to injury or infection, or referred pain from another body part. People should speak with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Key facts. Nerve pain (neuralgia) can occur when you have nerve damage from a condition or injury. Nerve pain can feel like a shooting, stabbing or a burning sensation. Treatment for nerve pain depends on the cause, and may include lifestyle measures, medicines and other treatments.
Breast pain can have other causes too. For example, an injury to the breast or some benign (not cancer) conditions can cause pain. Stress and anxiety can also be linked to breast pain. So if you're worrying about cancer, this could also contribute.
Stage 1 breast cancer may present with symptoms or not. If symptoms are present, Stage 1 signs of breast cancer may include: A lump in the breast (this is the most common Stage 1 symptom) Nipple discharge, including bloody or clear fluid.
Sometimes, breast cancer can be felt in the back or shoulders rather than the chest or breasts. The pain is easily confused with sore muscles. However, the pain doesn't go away with stretching or changing position. Bone pain is a deep ache or throbbing.
The first thing to do when you have sudden sharp left breast pain is to get checked for a heart attack. Pain under the left breast can come from injuries or conditions that affect the breast tissue and milk ducts. Breast cancer isn't usually painful early on.
In every situation, if you experience breast pain that worsens over time, is localized to one area, interferes with daily activities or includes a lump, redness or warmth, you should see a physician immediately to discuss your symptoms.
Generally, breasts continue to grow until the age of 17-18. However, they may keep developing until your early or mid-20s. The growth rate and the time when they stop developing differ from person to person, largely due to genetic and hormonal factors.
Hints to relieve breast pain
Wearing a soft bra at night can be helpful. Visit a person trained in fitting bras to ensure you are wearing the correct size and type of bra. Bras with under-wire can cause discomfort for some women. It may be useful to keep a record of your breast pain to see whether there is a pattern.
Common causes of shooting nerve pain throughout the body may include brain, spine, or nerve injuries; vitamin B12 or thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, poor blood supply to the nerves, use of certain medications, and heavy drinking.
Where Are Breast Cysts Usually Located? Breast cysts can develop anywhere in the glandular tissue of one or both breasts. In many cases, they form close to the surface of the skin near the nipple or in the upper, outer quadrant of a breast.
How long can you have breast cancer without knowing? If you have a slower-growing breast cancer, it's possible to have it for months or years before it's diagnosed. Mammograms are scans that can spot very small lumps or changes in the breasts before they're seen or felt.
Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms include: Red, swollen, itchy breast that is tender to the touch. The surface of the breast may take on a ridged or pitted appearance, similar to an orange peel (often called peau d'orange) Heaviness, burning, or aching in one breast.
Commonly developing from the mammary glands or ducts, such malignant lumps generally (about 50 percent) appear in the upper, outer quadrant of the breast, extending into the armpit, where tissue is thicker than elsewhere.
Face forward and look for puckering, dimpling, or changes in size, shape or symmetry. Check to see if your nipples are turned in. Inspect your breasts with your hands pressed down on your hips. Inspect your breasts with your arms raised overhead and the palms of your hands pressed together.
Increase vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
Both vitamins have been shown to help reduce breast pain. Vitamin E also protects your breasts from free radical damage that can destroy cells.
Emotional stress and anxiety
Muscles clench, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, and the mind races. While everyone reacts to anxiety differently, anxiety-induced chest pain can feel like: Sudden sharp, shooting pain. Persistent chest aching.