Breast pain: when should you be concerned?

Verified on 02/21/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor

Breast pain is usually a cause for concern. Fortunately, they are often benign.

However, certain symptoms should not be overlooked and should lead you to consult a specialist. Here they are.

Breast pain: what is it?

Many women experience breast pain one day. These can be very anxiety-inducing. However, they are rarely synonymous with serious illnesses and more often have a hormonal origin, nervous or venous. However, it is important to consult a doctor if in doubt.

Ces breast pain, also called “mastalgia,” can occur in men but are more common in women. They can be cyclical or non-cyclical.

The first is a common pain, linked to women’s menstrual cycle. It usually occurs in both breasts, a few days before the start of your period.

The second can occur in one or both breasts. The pain is sharp, stabbing. It is caused by cysts, injury, lymph nodes or taking certain medications.

Breast pain: signs that should worry

Generally, breast pain is not a cause for concern and can be alleviated with a change in lifestyle.

However, they can also be a sign of an underlying disease that requires specialist intervention. According to the French liberal nurses website, you should be concerned when:

The pain is intense and lasts several days;
The pain is accompanied by a lump or thickening of the breast;
Discharge or bleeding from the nipple appears;
Your breast changes in appearance;
There is a history of breast cancer in your family.

If you are concerned, it is possible to consult a doctor to perform a breast palpation and examination.

The specialist may also request additional examinations such as ultrasounds or a mammography. In the event of pain and symptoms mentioned above, it is important to consult without wasting time.