University Teaching Trust. Breast pain. Breast Care Clinic Hope Building. Unique Identifier: SURG 58 (14). Review date: December 2016.

Transcription

1 University Teaching Trust Breast pain Breast Care Clinic Hope Building G W. Design G W. Services, Salford Design Royal Services, NHS Foundation Salford Royal Trust, NHS All Foundation Rights Reserved Trust, Document for All Rights issue as Reserved handout Unique Document Identifier: for (13). issue Review as handout. date: 2015

2 Breast pain is very common and usually due to hormonal changes, there are treatment s available which are very simple and effective. This leaflet will explain the different types of breast pain, the causes and treatment available. Breast pain is also known as Mastalgia and is very common in women. There are different types of breast pain but sometime the cause is unknown which can be frustrating and distressing to women. Many women are anxious about the cause of the pain, in most cases breast pain will be the result of normal changes that occur within the breasts. Types of breast pain Breast pain is very common in women of all ages resulting in 7 out of 10 women experiencing it at some time in their lives. Breast pain can be divided into 2 categories, cyclical breast pain and none cyclical breast pain, with about 2 in 3 cases being cyclical breast pain and 1 in 3 non-cyclical breast pain. Cyclical breast pain This type of pain is very common and can occur at any age but will not occur in ladies that are post-menopausal. Cyclical breast pain is due to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, the breast tissue becomes more sensitive which can cause pain. Symptoms experienced maybe heaviness, tenderness, burning, prickling, stabbing pain, aching and tightness and it can affect one or both breast. The severity usually varies from month to month and usually worse in the upper and outer part of the breast. In many women the symptoms are mild but it can be severe and long lasting in 1 out of 10 women but the pain usually eases soon after a period starts. Non-cyclical breast pain This type of breast pain is not linked to the menstrual cycle, it can be continuous pain or come and go in a random way and occur in one or both breasts. This type of pain can affect women before and after the menopause. It is unclear what causes non-cyclical breast pain, it may be caused by pain elsewhere which feels like it s coming from the breast, for example pulled muscle in chest wall or ribcage. Other possibilities are previous breast surgery, underlying medical conditions or pain from the breast tissue with no abnormality the reason for this pain is unknown. Symptoms can be in one or both breast and can affect a specific area or the whole breast, it can feel like a stabbing pain, tightness, burning or pricking sensation. This tends to settle down by itself in about 50% of women. Breast pain in male patients Breast pain is uncommon in men but pain and tenderness may occur in men due to hormonal changes. Some men may develop gynecomastia (benign swelling of breast tissue in men) secondary to prescribed medications or body building supplements containing anabolic steroids. Breast pain can be managed with simple pain killers (see page 3). 1 2

3 Treatment l Supportive bra s Many women wear the wrong size bra so it may be beneficial to be fitted for a bra regularly. By wearing a well-supported bra may decrease or resolve your pain. Fitting services are free and available at some Asda stores, Marks and Spencer s, John Lewis, Bravissimo, Debenhams, BHS. l Painkillers When the breasts are painful it may be useful to take paracetamol or ibuprofen regularly. l Topical painkillers are antiinflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenic that come in cream or gel form. These can be applied to the painful area of the breast and the medication is absorbed through the skin. l Herbal medication Evening primrose oil is a herbal medication which helps relieve breast pain in some ladies. The dose is between mg and needs to be taken daily for up to 3 months before the benefit it noticed. l Smoking smoking can increase pain within the breasts so it is recommended to cut down or stop altogether. Hopefully you have a better understanding about your breast pain and what you can do to help alleviate this which may help you get back some control over your life. Breast awareness Being Breast aware and checking your breasts each month is very important, if you notice any other changes or breast symptoms you must see your GP who will refer you back to the breast clinic. It s as simple as TLC TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual? LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture? CHECK anything unusual with your doctor. Changes to check for: Lump - may not be seen, but might be felt Skin texture e.g. dimpling/puckering Appearance or direction of nipples Nipple discharge Rash or crusting 3 4

4 Further information Breast pain Introduction.aspx Breast awareness breastawareness.html breast-awareness-videos Telephone numbers: Breast Cancer Campaign Breast Cancer Care

5 G W. Design Services Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust All Rights Reserved This document MUST NOT be photocopied. Information Leaflet Control Policy: Unique Identifier: SURG 58 (14) Review Date: December 2016 University Teaching Trust For further information on this leaflet, it s references and sources used, please contact Copies of this information are available in other languages and formats upon request. If you need this interpreting please telephone In accordance with the Equality Act we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities, to access this treatment / service. Salford Royal operates a smoke-free policy. For advice on stopping smoking contact the Hospital Specialist Stop Smoking Service on Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD Telephone If you would like to become a Foundation Trust Member please visit: for-members If you have any suggestions as to how this document could be improved in the future then please visit: for-patients