Is bilateral breast pain breast cancer?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on December 03, 2024
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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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How many days after conception do the breasts start to feel sore?

Generally, after seven weeks of pregnancy, patients will begin to experience breast tenderness and pain. At this time, patients will feel that their breasts are noticeably swollen and increase in size gradually. The nipples will start to darken and enlarge. Around the areola, sebaceous glands will appear, and deep brown nodules known as Montgomery's tubercles will also develop. The color of the areola will begin to darken, which is related to the significant increase in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, in the body after pregnancy. It is recommended that women protect their breasts from being compressed and avoid excessive massaging after pregnancy.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What's going on with breast swelling and pain and also arm soreness?

Breast swelling and pain, as well as arm soreness, are considered to be caused by mammary gland hyperplasia and accessory breast syndrome. Mammary gland hyperplasia often manifests as cyclical swelling and pain in the breasts, commonly occurring or worsening before menstruation and alleviating or disappearing after menstruation. While mild cases might not be noticed by patients, severe cases can impact daily life and work. However, some patients do not exhibit obvious cyclical changes, and symptoms can include unilateral or bilateral breast swelling and pain, resembling needle pricks, which can extend to the shoulder, upper limbs, or chest and back areas. A few patients might experience nipple discharge, which can be yellow-green, brown, or bloody. The condition can sometimes persist for a long time, with symptoms automatically disappearing or reducing after menopause. When breast swelling and pain occur, it is necessary to regularly recheck the breast with ultrasound and mammography.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can frequent breast pain be treated by patting?

Breast pain and swelling often occur, and slapping them is ineffective because the pain and swelling are related to fibrocystic breast change, which is often linked to hormonal imbalances causing increased levels of estrogen. Therefore, for symptoms that are quite severe, we can use traditional Chinese medicine, which alleviates pain through methods that soothe the liver and regulate qi, as well as harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels. Endocrine treatments are also an option, preferably avoided, but can be used before menstruation in cases of severe pain during the pre-menopausal period. Vitamin therapy can also be used; vitamins B, C, and E help improve liver function, regulate metabolic processes related to sex hormones, and enhance autonomic function, serving as adjunct therapies for this condition. Vitamin E also helps alleviate pain. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is it normal to have breast pain in the late stages of pregnancy?

In the later stages of pregnancy, it is normal for pregnant women to experience breast pain. This occurs because, in the late stages of pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone increase. Under the combined influence of these hormones, the mammary glands become congested and swollen, further proliferate, and the mammary ducts expand, leading to breast pain. This condition prepares the body for breastfeeding after childbirth. When breast pain occurs, one can use a hot towel to apply heat to the breasts to alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is important to choose comfortable bras daily, avoiding those that are too tight or small, as they can cause compression on the breasts.