Breast Pain

I am a 29 year old woman who has experienced sharp burning pain in my left breast for a few days, along with pain running down my arm...It eventaully subsided and now has developed into a general soreness as if It were brusied underneath.  I have done a self-examanation and have detected no signs of lumps.  But the general area is very sore to touch.  This has lasted about a week now.  I am wondering how long I should let this continue before I seek medical help?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Manon, Breast pain is usually associated with a benign (non-cancerous) condition.  The immediate cause that comes to mind is some type of injury to the breast.   Sometimes breast pain is associated with hormonal variations and is called cyclical breast pain.  A medical professional would take your medical history, evaluate the history of your breast pain, and perform a physical exam.  

As to when to seek medical help, that depends, you would want to discuss this at your next physical exam.  If you don