What tests should be done for breast pain?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on February 01, 2025
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Breast pain is generally considered to be caused by breast hyperplasia. It usually occurs or worsens before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. In this case, it is recommended to have a breast ultrasound, which generally shows uneven low echo areas. If cysts are formed, anechoic areas will be reported. You can also undergo a mammography X-ray examination, which often shows ground glass-like or cotton wool-like shadows. If financial conditions allow, further breast MRI examination can be conducted to more accurately determine the benign or malignant nature of the condition.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Is bilateral breast pain breast cancer?

Bilateral breast pain generally is not considered breast cancer, but rather breast hyperplasia. Diagnosis can be confirmed through breast ultrasound and mammography. The ultrasound of breast hyperplasia typically shows uneven low echo areas; if cysts are present, they appear as anechoic areas. Mammography may display a ground-glass or cotton wool-like shadow. However, it is important to be cautious of the possibility that breast hyperplasia and breast cancer may coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should be closely followed up, advised to return to the hospital every two to three months for follow-up examinations. On the other hand, patients with significant proliferative lumps or unclear boundaries in thickened breast areas are recommended to undergo a biopsy of the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

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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 Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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How to regulate premenstrual breast swelling and pain

Before menstruation, estrogen levels rise and the breast tissue becomes congested and swollen, leading to breast pain. At this time, it is recommended for women to maintain a light diet, keep in a pleasant mood, avoid irritability, have regular routines, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in moderate exercise, among other practices. After menstruation begins, hormone levels decrease, and this type of pain naturally eases without needing much attention. However, if the pain is severe and affects normal life, or if the pain lasts beyond the menstrual period, it is advised to visit a breast surgery specialist 3 to 5 days after the end of the period for an examination.

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

Breast pain after menopause is generally temporary and a normal physiological response. It is mainly due to a decrease in the speed of endogenous estrogen secretion, and the breast tissue has not adapted to this change, resulting in localized pain. These symptoms will gradually disappear after menopause is completely stopped, so there is no need to be overly nervous, just make sure to get regular check-ups. However, if breast pain occurs years after menopause, it is necessary to be vigilant as it may indicate a disease. Since postmenopausal elderly women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, it is advised that patients with postmenopausal breast pain seek timely medical examinations at a hospital.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is breast swelling and pain after missing a period a sign of pregnancy?

The cessation of menstruation accompanied by breast pain could indicate pregnancy, but that’s not always the case. Similar symptoms to pregnancy, such as breast tenderness and delayed periods, can occur just before a woman's menstrual cycle. However, these symptoms can be influenced by factors such as fatigue, staying up late, medications, etc., leading to just a delay in menstruation. Before menstruation begins, the breasts are affected by hormones, causing ductal proliferation and edema, resulting in pain. However, this pain differs from the pain experienced during pregnancy. Pregnancy test strips can be used to check. It is generally recommended to conduct the test after a week’s delay of the menstrual period.