Non-cyclic mastalgia - Mastalgia

Low urgency
Common-

It is any discomfort in the breasts. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It can affect both sexes, although it is much more common in women.

The most common cause is hormonal changes. Other causes include injury, breastfeeding, fibrocystic breasts, medication and viral or bacterial infections.

Diagnosis is made clinically by interview and examination of the breast and adjacent lymphatic node chains. Additional tests may be ordered to rule out other causes.

In most cases, it is not necessary to see a doctor as the symptoms improve with conventional painkillers and application of cold/heat to the breast.

Bibliographic references
  1. M. Golshan, D. Iglehart. Breast pain. UpToDate Sep 09, 2015.
  2. Scurr J, Hedger W, Morris P, Brown N. The prevalence, severity, and impact of breast pain in the general population. Breast J 2014; 20:508.
  3. Srivastava A, Mansel RE, Arvind N, et al. Evidence-based management of Mastalgia: a meta-analysis of randomised trials. Breast 2007; 16:503.
  4. Seltzer MH. Breast complaints, biopsies, and cancer correlated with age in 10,000 consecutive new surgical referrals. Breast J 2004; 10:111.
  5. Davies EL, Gateley CA, Miers M, Mansel RE. The long-term course of mastalgia. J R Soc Med 1998; 91:462.
  6. Ader DN, Browne MW. Prevalence and impact of cyclic mastalgia in a United States clinic-based sample. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997; 177:126.
  7. Ader DN, South-Paul J, Adera T, Deuster PA. Cyclical mastalgia: prevalence and associated health and behavioral factors. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 22:71.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Breast pain - mastalgia


    Pain in both breasts


    Chest pain increases when touched


    Pain at the slightest touch


    Pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Greenish or reddish secretion from the nipple
Wound with signs of infection (heat, reddening, painful sensation, fever, swelling)
Pain in the chest
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Apply warm compresses 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
Use a firm bra to ease discomfort.