Breast Pain Diagnosis and Treatment – The Breast Center at Mercy, Baltimore

Breast pain, breast tenderness or sore breasts is a problem that many women experience, even when they are not pregnant. Breast pain usually is not related to cancer. General cyclical breast pain (or sore breasts) is usually benign and hormone-related. Another common cause of breast pain is cysts.

Caffeine worsens breast pain for some patients. While breast cancers are usually painless, they can cause pain – usually a dull pain. It is important to contact a doctor if you experience constant localized pain that persists after a cycle, especially if it is associated with a breast lump. 

Breast pain may come and go with monthly periods. Breast pain can be treated with over the counter pain relievers or oral contraceptives, which help to regulate hormones. Women also can minimize breast pain by limiting caffeine and wearing a firm support bra on a regular basis, but especially during exercise.

You should contact your doctor if you experience breast pain that does not diminish after a cycle or breast pain that is associated with a breast lump.