Breast tenderness - a symptom to worry about?

Should you worry about breast tenderness?

Marjory and I often get email requests for advice or information - and the subject of tender lumps or tenderness in the breast comes up often. So - what would you do?

Firstly, I think there's an issue about the definition of the word. Tenderness for you might be pain for someone else - or might not even register as discomfort for another woman. None of us are the same in how our body reacts to pain or pain related symptoms. I remember having a sore shoulder after my mastectomy and wondering if all women found it this painful or if it was just me?

Secondly, is the symptom constant and ongoing or intermittent and only present for part of the day or for a part of each week or month?

But let me say again what I've said many times on this site. If you're worried about any breast related symptom then go see a doctor and have a check over. Don't rely on sites like this for information. Yes, we can try to help and educate but if you're worried you need to see someone medical for an examination.

So - back to the topic of tenderness in the breast or breasts. What does it mean?

Usually the problem relates to hormone changes - seen for example in early pregnancy or as a side effect of contraceptive medications like the pill or contraceptive injections and implants. The new Implanon contraceptive often causes breast tenderness and discomfort. Other non hormone medications can also trigger this symptom but this is much less frequent.

Some women feel their breasts tender every menstrual cycle as they get near the time of their period. This can sometimes be a part of what's sometimes called the "Pre Menstrual Syndrome" or PMS.

Older women also sometimes experience sore or aching breasts as they enter the menopause. The fluctuating levels of hormones can trigger significant discomfort.

Less frequent causes of tenderness in the breasts might include Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment, previous injury to the area, fluid retention relating to other diseases and conditions, large cyst formation - and rarely it can relate to a high regular alcohol intake.

Can breast cancer cause tender breasts?
The answer to this is yes - it can .... but it doesn't usually do so.
Most breast cancer lumps are painless but some forms of breast cancer (like inflammatory breast cancer for example) can cause widespread discomfort, tenderness, soreness or pain.

So - what's my message? You guessed it - if in doubt then go get a check over ...... Please ?

Posted by Gordon - please leave your comments below.