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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Breasts are painful, swollen and hard.
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Breasts are painful, swollen and hard.
by LaurLil, Jul 25, 2001 12:00AM
I am 20 years old and for the past 4 months my breasts have been sore and swollen and sometimes hard. The pain usually lasts 2-3 weeks a month. I never had any breast pain before. Could my body simply be changing or is this a possible problem. I had my period 7/3/01 and the pain started about 7/16....can this be assocated? thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jul 25, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Laurlil, Breast pain is a common breast symptom. The reason for breast pain is not clearly understood, and is not usually associated with breast cancer. Breast pain is sometimes associated with hormonal variations and is then called cyclical breast pain. Noncyclical breast pain does not seem to be linked to hormonal variations and is often localized to one area of the breast tissue. Noncyclical breast pain may or may not be the result of an injury to the breast.
Discuss your symptoms with your physician. Breast pain is evaluated based on the history of the pain you would give to the health care professional, as well as a physical examination. The need for further testing would be determined based on the above findings. Some recommendations for treatment of breast pain involve simple comfort measures such as a supportive or exercise bra, or application of warm or cold packs. Caffeine avoidance, limit salt intake and reduction of dietary fat may also help.
Discuss your symptoms with your physician. Breast pain is evaluated based on the history of the pain you would give to the health care professional, as well as a physical examination. The need for further testing would be determined based on the above findings. Some recommendations for treatment of breast pain involve simple comfort measures such as a supportive or exercise bra, or application of warm or cold packs. Caffeine avoidance, limit salt intake and reduction of dietary fat may also help.
