Breast pain

[nana5548]

Yesterday I started having breast pains in my left breast kind of under my auriole and to the lower right.  I get sharp pains quite often there.  I do have fibrocystic disease, but have never had pain.  I had a hysterectomy in the 70's.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear nana5548:  Breast Cancer is not usually painful.  However, if your pain is not going away, you should have it evaluated.  Even though this is unlikely to be cancer, you should continue with your monthly breast examinations, and annual clinical exam and mammogram.

[nana5548]

Thank you for your prompt response.  It makes me feel better knowing that all I have to do is keep doing my monthly breast exams.

[surgeon]

Please note that the answer also said if the pain persists, you need to have it evaluated. I assume from the fact that you had hysterectomy in the 70's that you are at least in your 50's. Onset of pain at that age is much more significant that in the premenopausal years. So don't simply keep checking yourself if the pain persists: see your doctor!!

[Carol in Florida]

Note that the nurse said that breast cancer is not USUALLY painful. My breast cancer was one of the exceptions to that rule. I had similar sharp stabbing type pain a couple of times a day for about a month before other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer appeared and I sought medical attention. I thought that it could not be cancer, because I had heard that breast cancer does not cause pain--wrong--sometimes it does!

Do see a doctor, if only for peace of mind.

[susan m k]

Yes, I too had breast pain before I was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer.  For peace of mind vote in November AND go see your doctor soon.  Good luck, Susan

[lizziecee]

I had shooting pains in my arm and upper breast for months -had 3 yrly mammo and tumour found, 2 cm - not palpable by me or GP.Mammo saved my life. Suggest you see a doctor if for no other reason than it will put your mind at rest.