Is breast swelling and stabbing pain cancer?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on January 28, 2025
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Breast swelling and stabbing pain are generally not manifestations of cancer, but typical symptoms of breast hyperplasia. During a physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt in the breast, which are tough but not hard, and sometimes tender to touch. Ultrasound examination shows no lumps and no flocculent patterns on the molybdenum target, which can be diagnosed as breast hyperplasia. However, it is important to be cautious as breast hyperplasia and breast cancer can coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should have strengthened follow-up examinations. On the other hand, for patients with significant hyperplastic lumps or unclear boundaries in the thickened areas of the breast, it is recommended to perform a biopsy on the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is breast pain before menstruation related to breast cysts?

Women experiencing breast pain before menstruation are advised to undergo a systematic examination at a hospital. If you suspect that you have a breast cyst, it is still advisable to undergo relevant tests to eliminate the possibility of this condition. If breast cysts are ruled out, the pre-menstrual breast pain might be due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Premenstrual syndrome in women often manifests as headaches, breast pain, abdominal bloating, limb edema, irritability, anxiety, depression, and emotional instability, among other symptoms. If diagnosed with PMS, psychological reassurance and counseling can be provided to help the woman relax. Additionally, a suitable diet, nutrition, and appropriate physical exercise should be considered. If necessary, medication might be taken under a doctor's prescription. For further queries, please consult a doctor at a hospital.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What should I do if my period is 10 days late and my breasts are sore?

What should I do if my menstrual period is delayed by 10 days and I have breast pain? For many women, besides dysmenorrhea, there are many discomforts during menstruation. Many young and middle-aged women experience breast swelling and pain before and after menstruation. Is this normal? Many women worry that this is a sign of a pathological change in their breasts. Generally speaking, this kind of cyclical swelling or stabbing pain that appears as the menstrual cycle approaches, and then eases or disappears after the onset of menstruation, is mostly due to changes in hormones in the body and is a normal physiological condition that does not require treatment. Of course, if the pain is severe, it is necessary to visit a hospital promptly.

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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 Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What's going on with breast swelling, pain, nausea, and vomiting?

Generally considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can confirm the diagnosis through breast ultrasound or mammography, paying attention to exclude the possibility of pregnancy. Breast hyperplasia is characterized by cyclic swelling and pain of the breasts, often occurring or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may go unnoticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclic changes, and symptoms might present as unilateral or bilateral breast pain or pinprick-like sensation, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or the chest-back area. A few patients may experience nipple discharge. The condition can persist for a long time, but symptoms generally disappear or lessen after menopause. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, firm but not hard, may be felt in one or both breasts, sometimes tender when touched.

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Will having sex with breast pain lead to pregnancy?

Women may experience breast tenderness before and after menstruation, or during ovulation. However, merely relying on breast tenderness to determine the likelihood of pregnancy during intercourse has no scientific basis. One should consider their menstrual cycle to see if it coincides with the ovulation period, which is typically about 14 days before the onset of the next menstrual cycle. The ovulation date, the five days before it, the four days after it, plus the day of ovulation itself, make up a total of ten days known as the ovulation period. Intercourse during this time is more likely to lead to pregnancy.