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Breast pain (mastalgia) can be described as tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain or tightness in the breast tissue. The pain may be constant or it may occur only occasionally, and it can occur in men, women and transgender people.
Breast pain can range from mild to severe. It may occur:
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Breast pain can be cyclic or noncyclic. Cyclic means that the pain occurs on a regular pattern. Noncyclic means that the pain is constant, or that there's not a regular pattern. Each type of breast pain has distinct characteristics. Breast pain characteristics Cyclic breast pain Noncyclic breast pain Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels Described as dull, heavy or aching Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness Usually affects both breasts...
Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.
Sometimes, it's not possible to identify the exact cause of breast pain, but some factors may increase the risk.
For many people, breast pain resolves on its own over time. You may not need any treatment.
If you do need help managing your pain or if you need treatment, your doctor might recommend that you:
The following steps may help prevent the causes of breast pain, although more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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