Breast Specialist Lady Doctor in Chennai

1. Cyclical breast pain

This type of pain occurs as a dull ache or heaviness in one or both breasts. Sometime it can also radiate to the armpit. It is usually associated with your menstrual cycle. It can occur in the pre-menstrual phase and sometimes in the mid-cycle phase during ovulation. This type of pain is self-limiting and needn’t be of concern.

2. Non-cyclical breast pain

This pain is usually a sharp or shooting pain commonly occurring only in one breast and can radiate to the arm. This type of pain is known as referred pain (pain stimulated from a location apart from the breast like the chestwall muscles). Other causes are hormonal variations, costochondritis (inflammation of the underlying ribs), muscular strain with the supporting and surrounding muscles, inflammation or infection within the breast, unsuitable breast support and stress. It is recommended to have this type of breast pain assessed without delay.

3. Breast pain associated with lumps

Most painful lumps are benign (not cancerous). They still need to be evaluated to rule out underlying sinister features. Common painful lumps seen in the breast are:

• i. Breast cysts which are fluid filled cavities seen with progressive age
• ii. Fatty lumps such as fibroadenomas are rarely painful but if a nerve is entrapped can cause pain.
• iii. Infective lumps such as an abscess or inflammation or fat necrosis

4. Breast pain and other clinical signs

• a. Breast pain associated with redness of the skin or discharge of any colour could indicate infection. Do not wait. Consult your doctor as early diagnosis and treatment can avoid surgical intervention.
• b. Breast pain associated with bruising and thickening could indicate trauma. This is usually self limiting and does not require intervention. It is best to have a scan to clarify the diagnosis
• c. Breast pain with. Skin changes (similar to orange peel) can be due to an underlying specific type of cancer mimicking inflammation of the breast. This type of pain should not be ignored and needs to be assessed by a specialists at the earliest possible.

Breast pain in breast feeding in moms

• A. When your breasts are full and engorged, it is normal for them to feel heavy and painful. If you notice an area of redness associated with pain, there is a possibility of brewing infection. This is commonly due to blocked milk ducts and collection of the milk within the breast glands leading to infection.
• b. If. You notice a lump that may or may not be painful after a feed/emptying your breasts, you could have a closed pocket of milk called a galactocele
• c. Address this area with a hot pack, massage and attempt to empty/express the milk. Consult your specialist for further management.

In order to prevent you from experiencing breast pain, try the following simple remedies:

Wear a proper fitted and supportive bra, avoid hormone tablets if possible, avoid medication that causes breast pain, try relaxation therapy, avoid excessive lifting activities, and attempt a low-fat diet including sufficient of green vegetables.