(B)- Breast Pain

Question 1

How can mastalgia be divided?

Answer 1

Cyclical
During menstrual cycle

Non-cyclical
Unrelated to menstrual cycle

Question 2

What is cyclical breast pain?

Answer 2

Pain related to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle

Question 3

When does cyclical breast pain occur?

Answer 3

2 weeks before menstruation (luteal phase)

Settles during period

Question 4

What are the symptoms of cyclical breast pain?

Answer 4

Bilateral and generalised pain

Heaviness

Aching

Question 5

What age group experiences non-cyclical breast pain more commonly?

Answer 5

40-50s

Question 6

What is non-cyclical breast pain caused by?

Answer 6

• Medications e.g. contraceptives
• Infection
• Pregnancy

Pain may not originate in breast can come from
- Chest wall (costochondritis)
- Skin (shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia)

Question 7

What must be excluded when diagnosing cause of breast pain?

Answer 7

Cancer
Infection
Pregnancy

Question 8

What can be used to help diagnosed cyclical breast pain?

Answer 8

Breast pain diary

Question 9

How is cyclical breast pain managed?

Answer 9

• Supportive bra
• NSAIDs
• Avoiding caffeine
• Heat to the area
• Hormonal treatments(e.g. danazol and tamoxifen)