Nipple pain

[anita papita]

I am 46, mother of 3 and about three weeks ago I started noticing a dull ache around and behind my nipple.  I can't feel any lumps, and I thought it was the ususal pre-menstral breast pain.  It is only in one side.  No family history of breast cancer, so after reading other sites, thought maybe it could just be pre-menopausal issues.  I had a mammogram 3 years ago and it was fine. I am scheduled for another next week.  Any input? Has anyone else had this before?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear anita papita,  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.  

You should be sure to discuss this ache with your doctor so that they will be able to put this information into context for you, along with physical examination and the upcoming mammogram.  

[anita papita]

Thank you!