What is the cause of breast swelling and pain?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Breast pain is generally related to breast hyperplasia, and it can be diagnosed through the use of breast ultrasound or mammography. Currently, breast hyperplasia is believed to be associated with disruptions in the endocrine system leading to elevated levels of estrogen. Factors such as the external environment, work and living conditions, interpersonal relations, and various other stresses that cause neuropsychiatric impacts can alter the internal environment of the body. This, in turn, affects the function of the endocrine system, leading to abnormal secretion of one or more hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the receptors in the breast tissue undergo cyclical changes due to the fluctuation of hormone levels. An imbalance where estrogen levels are high and progesterone secretion is reduced can result in incomplete regression of breast hyperplasia after the growth phase, causing breast tissue hyperplasia. Additionally, differences in the quality and quantity of estrogen receptors in the breast tissue may contribute to uneven growth levels across different parts of the breast.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What is causing breast swelling, pain, and discharge of pus?

Breast pain and hyperplasia are related, while purulent discharge might be caused by inflammation within the ducts. Usually, this can be diagnosed through ductoscopy. If it is inflammation, the lesions can be identified under ductoscopy, and then can be treated through washing with metronidazole and gentamicin, achieving a cure. However, there is a scenario where the issue is due to previously forcefully suppressing milk expulsion, leading to a large amount of milk residue in the ducts, causing purulent discharge. In this case, local heat application followed by massage and milk expulsion performed by a professional lactation masseuse can cure the condition. Regular follow-up with ultrasound and mammography of the breast is needed in the future. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is the reason for breast pain during menstruation?

Menstrual breast pain is considered to be caused by two factors. First, the patient experiences breast pain during menstruation due to the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone secretion before the onset of menstruation. The pain symptoms may be more pronounced before menstruation and can be alleviated after menstruation. Second, if the patient's symptoms are severe, it is generally necessary to consider whether the pain is caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia can be caused by long-term staying up late, depression, and excessive stress. It is recommended that the patient undergoes a breast ultrasound to check for conditions like mammary ductal hyperplasia or fibroadenomas, and then receive targeted treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is the cause of postmenopausal breast pain?

Under normal circumstances, if breast swelling and pain occur after menopause, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a breast ultrasound to check for any organic diseases in the breast. If the ultrasound reveals any abnormal masses or conditions, further examination with a mammogram is generally required. Normally, there should not be any swelling or pain in the breasts after menopause. If such symptoms occur, they should be taken seriously, and a hospital visit is necessary for relevant examinations to rule out malignant breast tumors. If there is no malignant tumor and the breast ultrasound does not show significant issues, merely presenting with breast swelling and pain, at this point, some medicinal treatment for regulation can be taken. Traditional Chinese medicine generally considers that the liver meridian passes through the breast, and patients with liver Qi stagnation may experience breast swelling and pain. In such cases, taking medicine to soothe the liver and alleviate depression can be symptomatically appropriate.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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Can pregnancy cause breast pain?

Pregnant women are very likely to experience breast pain, which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Symptoms like breast tenderness, sensitivity, and a stinging sensation usually appear within 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes even before a pregnancy test can be taken. This is primarily because, to better support the growth of the fetus, the body produces more estrogen, stimulating the growth of mammary glands and causing breast pain. Of course, as the pregnancy progresses and hormone levels gradually stabilize, breast pain will be alleviated. Pregnant women should not be overly concerned. However, it is also important to remind pregnant women that while this breast pain might increase discomfort during pregnancy, it is usually bearable. If the breast pain becomes unbearable, it is still essential to visit a hospital for a check-up.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What to do about breast pain before menstruation?

Under normal circumstances, if there is also breast swelling and pain usually, it is essential to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to check if there is breast hyperplasia or any organic breast diseases. If organic diseases are excluded, premenstrual breast swelling and pain are generally considered clinically, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that the liver meridian accumulates in the breast. For example, patients who are prone to anger or have liver depression and qi stagnation may experience premenstrual breast swelling and pain. At this time, treatment can generally involve taking some liver-soothing and depression-relieving medicine, such as Xiao Yao Wan, Ru Ning tablets, and other medicines for symptomatic treatment. Occasional one or two instances are not a big problem, but if premenstrual breast swelling and pain occur frequently, it is definitely necessary to take medicine for symptomatic treatment, as this condition is generally related to liver meridian and liver depression qi stagnation.