pain in the breast

[k9nadia]

i'm 36 years old and lately my left breast stat hurting me and i have a thickness on the left side of my ribs my shulder and neck hurt me as well...i'm coserned about all these symptoms because i'm scared it's breast cancer...i have an irrigular periods and i had a surgery because i had a microadenoma in the gland under my brain...i need to educate myself before i make any step with regard my breast. thank you for getting back to me

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Pain in the breast could be due to an infectious process like mastitis or breast abscess, it could be due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, it could be due to tight clothing or trauma or injury to the breast tissue. Wear lose clothing and apply some soothing creams at the sight. Do you notice a lump, or any skin changes at the site? You need to get a clinical evaluation done by a physician and ask him whether you need to take any painkillers or antibiotic medication. Also get a mammogram/USG if your physician thinks you should get one done. Goodluck.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi. Pain in the breast can mean a lot of things, and is not necessarily a sign of cancer. The pain, for example, can be due to infection and inflammation (mastitis).  You may want to perform a breast self exam to see if you can feel some lumps in your breast and axillary area.  For added peace of mind, you can also consult with a doctor and request for a mammography or breast ultrasound  to be done.

I'm giving you the address of a web page which illustrates the steps in performing a breast self-exam: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp

Hope this helps.