What’s normal, what’s not, and when to get checked.
You experience a stabbing pain in your breast, and your mind immediately jumps to the worst-case scenario. This is a completely normal reaction. And, you are not alone either. More than 70% of women experience breast pain at some point.
Most of the time, breast pain is completely harmless. However, there are some things that you should look for to determine whether or not you should have an ultrasound or a mammogram.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common reasons for breast pain (what doctors call mastalgia), what this type of pain can feel like, when to get checked, and how a breast ultrasound can help you get answers.
Why Am I Experiencing Breast (Mastalgia) Pain?
Here's something important to know about breast pain: it doesn’t feel the same for everyone. This can make it confusing when you're trying to figure out what's going on.
The most common causes of breast pain:
- Hormonal changes
- Medication side effects
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Age-related changes
- Inflammation of the chest wall
Breast pain is common and temporary in most cases.
The Top Culprits for Breast Pain
Breast pain is broken down into two different categories by doctors.
- Cyclic pain (which means that it follows a predictable pattern with your period)
- Noncyclic (this type of pain is more random and harder to pin down)
Knowing which type you’re dealing with matters. It can make a big difference in understanding what’s causing the pain and what you can do about it. Let’s take a closer look at the causes of both types of breast pain.
Cyclic Breast Pain
Cyclic breast pain shows up like clockwork and is tied to your menstrual cycle. It:
- Appears about one to two weeks before your period
- Affects both breasts
- Feels heavy, dull, or aches
- May extend into the armpit
- Disappears once your period starts
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
During your cycle, your hormones (estrogen and progesterone) constantly rise and fall. These hormonal shifts can cause your breast tissue to swell. This leads to pain and heaviness in both breasts.
What it feels like:
- Heaviness (like your breasts are fuller)
- Deep, dull ache
- Throbbing pain
- Breasts feeling swollen
Ways to get relief:
Consider more supportive bras. Use a warm compress. Reduce caffeine intake and use over‑the‑counter pain relievers (check with your doctor first).
2. Fibrocystic Breast Changes
Fibrocystic breast changes are very common, especially right before a period. They are also related to hormonal changes and are harmless.
What it feels like:
If you have pain from fibrocystic breast changes, you might feel small, thick areas in your breast tissue. These may feel like a knot. Your breasts may also feel tender or swollen to the touch. This might get worse at certain times of the month.
Ways to get relief:
You can try warm compresses. A supportive bra (comfortable, not constricting) can also help. If the knot doesn’t go away after your period, it’s a good idea to get it checked out with an ultrasound. Even if it’s nothing, it will give you peace of mind.
Noncyclic Breast Pain
Noncyclic breast pain is not connected to your menstrual cycle. It may affect just one breast rather than both. It can feel like a burning pain. It can also be sharp or stabbing. It can come and go. It’s more likely to be localized to one area. Here are the most common types of noncyclic breast pain.
1. Breast Cysts
Cysts are fluid‑filled sacs that can cause pain. The pain is usually sharp or sudden. These can become inflamed or grow, which can intensify the pain. Signs of a breast cyst include a soft, movable lump.
What it feels like:
- A sharp or aching pain
- Localized tenderness (pain in one area of the breast)
Ways to get relief:
An ultrasound evaluation can confirm that the lump is actually a cyst. If it’s painful or doesn’t go away, cyst aspiration may be recommended. This is used to drain the fluid and relieve pain and discomfort.
2. Breast Infection
A breast infection (also known as Mastitis) is more common during breastfeeding. However, it can happen at any time. It develops when bacteria enter the breast tissue. This causes inflammation and pain. There may be redness or swelling present. A person may also have flu-like symptoms.
What it feels like:
A breast infection is usually accompanied by intense tenderness that worsens quickly. Body aches and fever may also be present.
Ways to get relief:
A medical evaluation is necessary for this type of pain. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if an infection is present.
“Is This Cancer?” Understanding the Actual Risk
If you experience breast pain, you may wonder if it’s cancer. The good news is that breast pain by itself is not usually a sign of breast cancer (except in rare cases). Breast cancer does not usually cause pain, especially early on. It’s more likely to be an infection, cyst, or related to the hormonal cycle.
That being said, certain symptoms combined with breast pain should always be evaluated:
- A new lump
- Bloody nipple discharge
- Skin thickening or dimpling
- Nipple inversion (turns inward)
- Persistent breast pain affecting one side
- Persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
If you notice any of these changes, schedule a clinical breast exam or ultrasound, or mammogram screening.
Ultrasound for Breast Pain
If one specific spot in your breast keeps bothering you, or if the pain is very localized, it might be a good idea to get a breast ultrasound screening. Ultrasound is very helpful for identifying and evaluating cysts, lumps, and dense breast tissue. An ultrasound may be paired with a mammogram to get a better picture.
Why HerScan for Breast Cancer Screening?
HerScan is designed for women who want answers about their breast health without the hassle. Appointments are quick and take only 20 minutes. You don’t need a referral. Many women find the process stress-free and comfortable.
There is no squishing (your breasts are not compressed), and it’s generally painless, especially compared to a mammogram. This is a relief when you are already experiencing breast soreness and pain.
