Mastalgia
Mastalgia just means breast pain. It falls into two types:
- Cyclical breast pain: Where the pain is linked to your menstrual cycle
- Noncyclic breast pain: Where the pain originates in the breast, or somewhere near to it. This can include referred pain from muscles or joints.
Frequently Asked Question
With cyclical mastalgia the pain and is, most often, linked to our hormones. That means women typically:
- Experience pain around the time they ovulate (i.e. monthly)
- Have pain in either breast, both of them, or originating in and radiating from the underarm area
Non-cyclic mastalgia is less common, and isn’t linked to the change in hormones during the menstrual cycle, hence the name. Most often, the symptoms include:
- Continuous, sharp pain
- Pain located in one specific location
This can be due to trauma, muscle strain, or referred arthritic pain from nearby areas such as the neck or chest.
Treatment for mastalgia depends on the underlying cause, but it is important to know that breast pain is very common and rarely linked to breast cancer. Many women find significant relief once they understand that there is no sinister reason for their pain, and reassurance alone can often lead to an improvement in symptoms.
Ms Varghese will take time to listen to your concerns, explain the possible causes of your breast pain, and guide you through any investigations that may be needed. For cyclical breast pain, simple measures such as wearing a well-fitted supportive bra, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and following a lower-fat, higher-fibre diet may help.
Breast pain can also be influenced by hormones. Ms Varghese can advise on whether reviewing hormonal contraception or HRT with your GP may be helpful. Some women choose to try supplements such as evening primrose oil, which contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, and Ms Varghese can discuss whether this may be appropriate for you.
If breast pain is persistent or affecting your quality of life, Ms Varghese will explain the next steps clearly and develop a personalised plan to manage your symptoms. Reliable information is also available from Breast Cancer Now, which many patients find helpful for further reassurance.
Although breast pain is usually benign, you should seek assessment if you notice:
- Pain that is persistent and localised to one specific area
- A new lump that does not settle
- Skin changes, such as dimpling, redness, or thickening
- Nipple changes, including inversion, rash, or discharge (particularly if bloody)
- Pain that is new, worsening, or not related to your menstrual cycle
- Breast pain combined with a strong family history of breast cancer
Ms Varghese will carefully assess your symptoms, explain the findings in clear terms, and talk you through what, if anything, needs to be done next. Even when no further treatment is required, reassurance and understanding can be an important part of relieving symptoms.
