Breast Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Breast Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Dear Miss Concerned： Hello, your menstrual period has ended, and the breast pain has diminished, but there is still a possibility of a movable, round lump that has not disappeared. <br>There is a higher likelihood of it being a fibroadenoma. <br>It is recommended to consult a gen

Breast

Hello, Doctor: First of all, thank you for being willing to help me with this troubling issue.
During my last menstrual period, my breasts were very painful even with slight touch, and the hard areas were even more painful.
Although I have experienced breast swelling and tenderness before and after my periods, the pain during my last menstrual period was the worst I have ever felt; I have never experienced such pain before.
My last menstrual period started on February 2nd, and it has been about twenty days since it ended.
The breast pain has gradually decreased, but the hard lump (which is movable and round when touched) has not disappeared.
(I am unmarried, do not smoke, and do not drink alcohol.) Should I see a doctor? Is it serious? However, I really want to see a female doctor...
Could you please recommend a hospital that has female doctors available? Thank you very much.

Fanrao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/21

Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery

Dear Miss Concerned: Hello, your menstrual period has ended, and the breast pain has diminished, but there is still a possibility of a movable, round lump that has not disappeared.
There is a higher likelihood of it being a fibroadenoma.
It is recommended to consult a general surgeon or a breast surgeon for a physical examination and ultrasound to understand its nature before deciding on treatment.
"There are priorities in learning, and each field has its own expertise." Since this concerns your health, why must it be a female physician? If you insist on seeing a female doctor, Dr.
Chen Li-Chin from our Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Nantou Hospital can perform the examination for you.
Her clinic hours are Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2005/02/21

More Info

Breast pain, medically known as mastalgia, can be a distressing experience for many women. It can arise from various causes, including hormonal fluctuations, structural changes in breast tissue, or even underlying medical conditions. Given your description of experiencing significant pain during your last menstrual period, along with the presence of a movable, round hard lump, it is essential to approach this situation with care and seek professional medical advice.

Understanding Breast Pain
1. Hormonal Changes: Many women experience breast pain related to their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels before menstruation can lead to swelling and tenderness in the breast tissue. This is often referred to as cyclical mastalgia and is usually temporary.

2. Non-Cyclical Breast Pain: If the pain persists beyond the menstrual cycle or occurs independently of it, it may be classified as non-cyclical breast pain. This type can be caused by factors such as trauma, infections, or even benign breast conditions like fibrocystic changes or cysts.

3. Lumps and Masses: The presence of a movable lump in the breast, especially if it is round and can be felt distinctly, warrants further evaluation. While many lumps are benign (such as cysts or fibroadenomas), any new or changing lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions, including breast cancer.

When to Seek Medical Advice
Given that you have experienced the most severe breast pain during your last menstrual cycle and that a lump remains present, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Here are some specific reasons to seek medical attention:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain is severe and has not resolved after your menstrual cycle, it is essential to have it evaluated.

- Changes in Breast Tissue: Any new lumps, changes in size, or texture of existing lumps should be assessed.

- Accompanying Symptoms: If you experience other symptoms such as discharge from the nipple, changes in the skin over the breast, or swelling, these should be reported to your doctor.

Finding the Right Healthcare Provider
You mentioned a preference for seeing a female physician. Many hospitals and clinics offer specialized women's health services, including breast clinics or gynecology departments with female doctors. It is advisable to check with local hospitals or health centers in your area. You can also look for women's health clinics that specifically advertise female healthcare providers.
In the United States, many healthcare systems have online directories where you can filter providers by gender, specialty, and location. Additionally, consider reaching out to friends or family for recommendations or searching online for reviews of local practitioners.

Conclusion
In summary, while breast pain can often be linked to hormonal changes, the severity of your symptoms and the presence of a lump necessitate a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to address your concerns promptly to ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed appropriately. Do not hesitate to seek out a female physician if that makes you more comfortable, and remember that your health and peace of mind are paramount.

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