Chest pain = breast cancer? Learn about 7 possible causes of breast pain

Do you panic when your breast hurts? Don’t rush to identify yourself! Your chest pain may be a “coquettish act” or it may be a “warning”.

Care about women’s health and understand the “pain code” of breasts!

Breast pain ≠ breast cancer

Physiological pain: Like menstrual pain - both breasts are evenly affected, no lumps can be felt, and the pain fluctuates with the menstrual cycle.

Pathological pain: such as breast cancer - "fixed point stabbing pain" in a fixed position on one side, often accompanied by lumps, skin indentations or nipple bleeding.

7 possible causes of breast pain

1. Good friend during menstruation: Cyclic distension and pain Characteristics: It occurs 1-2 weeks before menstruation, and the breasts are like "inflated balloons", which may also cause soreness and swelling in the armpits. Scientific explanation: Estrogen rises and stimulates breast tissue proliferation. After menstruation, hormones withdraw and the pain heals on its own. Response: Reduce coffee and milk tea intake, wear underwire-free bras, and apply hot compresses to relieve it.

2. Lactation assassin: Acute mastitis Characteristics: Redness, swelling, heat and pain in the breasts during lactation, possibly accompanied by fever, like a "hot water bottle filled with boiling water". Scientific explanation: Milk congestion + bacterial infection, common in new mothers. Response: Cold compress to relieve pain (avoid the nipple), empty the milk in time, and seek medical attention if there is no improvement within 48 hours.

3. Blame: Muscle strain Characteristics: Unilateral chest pain after fitness/holding a baby, pain worsens when pressed, no abnormality on the skin surface. Scientific explanation: Pectoralis major or intercostal muscle strain, often mistaken for breast problems. Response: Stop strenuous exercise, apply anti-inflammatory ointment, relief can be achieved in 2-3 days.

4. Invisible bomb: Characteristics of breast cysts: fixed pain, a "water ball" lump when touched, and can be diagnosed by B-ultrasound. Scientific explanation: blocked breast ducts form fluid cysts, which are mostly benign. Response: Small cysts do not require treatment, and regular check-ups are required; large cysts can be punctured and fluid can be extracted.

5. Emotional sensor: Stress-induced breast pain Characteristics: Diffuse tingling in both breasts during anxiety, no lumps, and normal electrocardiogram. Scientific explanation: Stress hormones stimulate nerve sensitivity, commonly known as "chest pain from anger." Response: Deep breathing exercises, yoga, psychological counseling (if pain persists for more than 2 weeks, organic diseases should be checked).

6. Master of Disguise: Heart Disease/Cosmoditis Characteristics: Pain in the left chest radiating to the left arm, or pain in the sternum when coughing/turning around. Scientific Explanation: Diseases such as angina pectoris and costochondritis may be mistaken for breast problems. Response: Does taking nitroglycerin not provide relief? Call 120 immediately!

7. Silent killer: Characteristics of breast cancer: Unilateral painless hard lumps, inverted nipples, and "orange peel-like" changes in the skin. Key points: Early breast cancer is usually painless! Pain often occurs in the late stage or when there is a concurrent infection. Response: If you feel a hard lump, see a doctor immediately regardless of whether it hurts! 1. Menstrual best friend: Characteristics of cyclical distension and pain: It occurs 1-2 weeks before menstruation, and the breasts are like "inflated balloons", which may also cause soreness and swelling in the armpits. Scientific explanation: Increased estrogen stimulates the proliferation of breast tissue, and the hormones withdraw after menstruation, and the pain heals on its own. Response: Reduce the intake of coffee and milk tea, wear underwire-free bras, and apply hot compresses to relieve it.

Pain self-help guide: hot compress VS cold compress, don’t use it wrong!

Hot compress application scenarios:

- Menstrual pain, milk blockage during lactation (when there is no inflammation)

- Method: Apply a hot towel at about 40℃ for 10 minutes/day, avoiding the nipples

Cold compress application scenarios:

- Acute mastitis redness and swelling, muscle strain after exercise

- Method: Apply ice pack wrapped in towel for 15 minutes each time, every 2 hours

If you experience these signs, seek medical attention immediately!

⚠️Unilateral fixed position pain + feel a hard lump

⚠️ Blood/brown fluid coming out of the nipple

⚠️ Skin dimpling or “orange peel”

⚠️ Pain lasts for more than 2 menstrual cycles

Dear sisters, breast health is related to physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Only by understanding the knowledge of breast pain and paying attention to breast health can you take better care of yourself!