1. Breast pain
Breast pain can be described as any pain or tenderness experienced in the breast tissue. This may appear as a sharp or stabbing pain in the breast. Some women may also describe the sensation as a feeling of tightness.
Breast pain can be categorized as whether it is occurring in the context of pregnancy, that is women that are experiencing breast pain while pregnant or breastfeeding or if the pain is occuring in the absence of pregnancy.
Breast pain while pregnant or breastfeeding
- Breast pain of early pregnancy : Breast pain or tenderness may be experienced during the early stages of pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. This is normal and generally requires no medical intervention. If significant breast pain continues to persist over the course of your pregnancy into the second or third trimester then a discussion with your midwife or doctor may be required.
- Mastitis : Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that is usually caused by an infection. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding. In addition to pain, breast swelling, warmth and redness may be experienced. Women may also have a high temperature and chills. Immediate advice should be sought from a midwife, a lactation consultant or your doctor. Mastitis can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics.
Non-pregnancy related causes of breast pain
- Period-related breast pain : Period-related breast pain occurs just before the beginning of a menstrual cycle and disappears almost immediately after the menstrual cycle is over. Pain is described as tenderness or heaviness in the breasts. Most women do not experience severe pain
- All other breast : In the absence of pregnancy and your menstrual cycle, all other breast pain should be discussed with a medical practitioner.
When to seek medical help
Breast pain is not a symptom that should be ignored. The source of the breast pain should always be found and understood. Make an appointment to see your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Breast pain is persistent and does not subside
- The pain experienced is intense in nature
- The pain is associated with abnormal nipple discharge or changes to the breast tissue
(ie. swelling, redness, firmness)
If in doubt it is always best to make an appointment to see your doctor to have a full evaluation carried out.
2. Breast Issues: Breast lumps
Thankfully, the majority of breast lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, it is important to pay attention to when a lump first appears particularly if it is associated with other symptoms. Listed below are some different causes of lumps that may be felt in the breast tissue.
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are solid, smooth and firm lumps that appear in the breast tissue. These lumps are painless, feel rubbery and move around smoothly. Fibroadenomas are benign (non- cancerous) and are most commonly found in women in their 20s and 30s.
Breast cyst
A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the breast tissue. Cysts are most commonly seen in women between the ages of 35 and 50 and in those nearing menopause. Breast cysts are often round, moveable and can feel either soft or hard. Breast cysts are non-cancerous and usually go away on their own without treatment.
Lipoma
A lipoma is a lump in the breast that is composed entirely of fatty tissue. These are common and non-cancerous. Lipomas do not usually cause breast symptoms but may be painful if they affect nearby nerves, blood vessels, or joints. Lipomas may also grow in size. Therefore, some doctors may monitor their growth to make sure that they pose no harm.
Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis is a medical condition usually caused by trauma or damage to the breast tissue. Fat necrosis can occur after breast surgery or radiation treatment. Fat necrosis feels like a round, firm lump. The skin around the lump might look thicker, red, or bruised. It is usually not associated with pain.
Breast cancer
Breast lumps that are associated with breast cancer may be associated with other symptoms such as
- Change in size of the breast
- Change in shape or contour of the breast
- Change of the feel or appearance of the breast
- Dimpling of the breast tissue (the skin takes a pitting look and/or orange hue)
- Abnormal discharge from the nipple
What to do if you feel a lump in your breast
If you feel a lump in the breast or notice any abnormal changes, make an appointment to see your doctor. They will carry out a full medical examination and order diagnostic tests if required. All breast lumps should be investigated by a medical professional.
If in doubt it is always best to make an appointment to see your doctor to have a full evaluation carried out.
3. Breast Issues: Breast cancer
Over the past few decades we have made great strides in the detection, management and treatment of breast cancer. However, it is important for all women to continue attending their routine checkups and mammogram scans. Managing the risk factors that we can control (ie. exercise, alcohol intake) is also a good step to help lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
- A new lump that is felt in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Dimpling of breast
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Abnormal nipple discharge
When to see your doctor
If you feel a lump in the breast tissue or notice any abnormal changes in your breasts, make an appointment to see your doctor. They will carry out a full medical examination, take a history and order diagnostic tests if needed.
Mammograms and breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening looks different for every woman but the following is a general screening guide regarding mammograms. As always, speak to your doctor to help determine what the best screening regimen for you looks like. Your personal medical history and family history will have a huge impact on this.
- Women ages 50 to 74 years old and who are at average risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram every two years.
- Women ages 40 to 49 years old should speak to their doctor about when it is appropriate for them to start going for mammograms and how often.
- Note: Breast-self examinations are no longer recommended.
These screening recommendations are based on guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) , an organization made up of doctors and disease experts.
A discussion with your doctor will be necessary to determine the best current and future steps.