Breast swelling, pain, and lumps, what is going on?

Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
Updated on September 19, 2024
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There are several types of conditions where lumps can be found in the breast. Breast tissue itself is essentially a hard substance that can normally be grasped or pinched by hand. Therefore, sometimes the lumps you feel in the breast are just normal areas of breast tissue protrusion, which generally disappear after menstruation or after subsiding. You do not need to worry too much about breast lumps that appear during this special period. Another more common type of breast lump is fibroadenoma of the breast, which typically occurs in women of childbearing age between 20 and 39 years old. Another condition is cystic hyperplasia of the breast. This is more common in middle-aged women, often with several hard nodules of varying sizes on both breasts, with unclear borders, which can cause pain, especially more noticeable before menstruation. When it might be a breast disease, it is advisable for patients to visit a hospital and consult a doctor on how to proceed.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What causes breast pain?

We note that breast pain is commonly seen in fibrocystic breast condition. We suggest that you develop good habits in your work and daily life, avoid spicy and irritating food, as well as habits of smoking and drinking, avoid staying up late and overworking, maintain a positive mood and optimistic attitude, and seek timely examination and treatment in a specialized department of a formal hospital. If the breast pain is not caused by fibrocystic changes but other serious lesions, it is even more crucial to promptly and early receive appropriate medical treatment from a doctor.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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Can pregnancy cause breast pain?

Pregnant women are very likely to experience breast pain, which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Symptoms like breast tenderness, sensitivity, and a stinging sensation usually appear within 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes even before a pregnancy test can be taken. This is primarily because, to better support the growth of the fetus, the body produces more estrogen, stimulating the growth of mammary glands and causing breast pain. Of course, as the pregnancy progresses and hormone levels gradually stabilize, breast pain will be alleviated. Pregnant women should not be overly concerned. However, it is also important to remind pregnant women that while this breast pain might increase discomfort during pregnancy, it is usually bearable. If the breast pain becomes unbearable, it is still essential to visit a hospital for a check-up.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is breast tenderness a sign that menstruation is coming?

Normally, if breast pain occurs before each menstrual period, it is generally considered that menstruation is approaching. However, some patients may also experience breast pain in the early stages of pregnancy. This type of pain usually occurs when the menstrual period does not arrive as expected, and at this time, the breast pain might be due to pregnancy. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital for early pregnancy tests to obtain a clear diagnosis. If the test results indicate that pregnancy is not the cause of the breast pain, then it is likely that menstruation is approaching. Some patients may experience breast pain due to liver qi stagnation before their period, which is considered a pathological state and generally requires medication for symptomatic treatment. If pregnancy tests are negative and breast pain occurs, it is highly likely that menstruation is imminent.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What to do about breast pain from a biochemical pregnancy?

After experiencing a biochemical pregnancy, if the patient has symptoms such as breast tenderness, there is no need to worry too much. As the hormone levels decrease, the symptoms of breast tenderness will gradually ease. If the symptoms are significant, they can be alleviated through local heat application, massage, or other physical therapy methods. If necessary, it is also possible to visit a hospital and, under the guidance of a doctor, take some medications for treatment. During this time, it is important to rest, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid overworking and staying up late, enhance nutrition, and avoid raw, cold, and spicy stimulating foods. The diet should be light and nutritious.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 9sec home-news-image

What is the cause of postmenopausal breast pain?

Under normal circumstances, if breast swelling and pain occur after menopause, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a breast ultrasound to check for any organic diseases in the breast. If the ultrasound reveals any abnormal masses or conditions, further examination with a mammogram is generally required. Normally, there should not be any swelling or pain in the breasts after menopause. If such symptoms occur, they should be taken seriously, and a hospital visit is necessary for relevant examinations to rule out malignant breast tumors. If there is no malignant tumor and the breast ultrasound does not show significant issues, merely presenting with breast swelling and pain, at this point, some medicinal treatment for regulation can be taken. Traditional Chinese medicine generally considers that the liver meridian passes through the breast, and patients with liver Qi stagnation may experience breast swelling and pain. In such cases, taking medicine to soothe the liver and alleviate depression can be symptomatically appropriate.