Breast Pain

At Green Mountain Breast Care Center in Stowe, Vermont, skilled breast surgeon Sarah Waterman, MD, provides attentive care for breast pain, also called mastalgia. It can affect women and men at any age, and while hormonal changes or noncancerous conditions are often the cause, talk to Dr. Waterman if you have persistent or unusual pain. Reserve an appointment time to discuss breast pain concerns by calling the office or booking online today.

What causes breast pain?

Breast pain can have several causes. Hormonal breast pain, for example, can occur before or during a menstrual period as hormone levels change. It often affects both breasts and may feel like aching, tenderness, heaviness, or swelling.

Other possible causes of breast pain include:

• Breast cysts
• Fibroadenomas
• Inflammation or infection
• Benign changes such as fibrocystic breast tissue
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Certain medications
• A strained chest muscle
• Injury
• Irritation of the nerves in your chest wall

Although breast pain alone is rarely a sign of breast cancer, any new breast symptom should be assessed when it is persistent, unexplained, or accompanied by other changes.

When should I seek help for breast pain?

Consider scheduling an appointment if your pain is new, persistent, worsening, or localized to one specific area. You should also seek evaluation with Dr. Waterman if breast pain occurs alongside:

• A lump
• Nipple discharge (particularly bloody discharge)
• Nipple or skin changes
• A change in breast size or shape

Prompt medical attention is especially important if you develop significant redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or severe pain, as these symptoms may indicate an infection or another condition requiring treatment.

How is breast pain diagnosed?

Dr. Waterman will begin with a detailed medical history and clinical breast examination. She may ask about the location and severity of your pain, whether it follows your menstrual cycle, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any recent injuries.

Depending on your age, symptoms, and examination findings, she may order imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound. In some situations, additional imaging or a breast biopsy may be necessary to evaluate an abnormal finding.

What treatments are available for breast pain?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For mild hormonal breast pain, supportive measures such as a properly fitted bra, warm or cool compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers may soothe it.

Dr. Waterman may also recommend addressing medications or lifestyle factors that could contribute to symptoms.

If she detects an underlying condition such as a cyst, infection, or other benign breast problem, she can develop a targeted treatment plan.

Breast pain is common, but you don't have to live with ongoing discomfort or uncertainty. Dr. Waterman can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate care. Schedule your next visit today by calling the Green Mountain Breast Care Center office or booking online.