Breast Pain Flashcards
When a patient presents with breast pain, other than SOCRATES, what is important to determine about the pain?
Is this a cyclical pain? Does it seem to occur once a month?
When is breast pain most common during the menstrual cycle?
Breast pain is usually worst during the luteal phase of the cycle (just before the next period begins)
When a patient presents with breast pain, what should also be a main focus of the consultation?
We should be concerned about why the patient is presenting with the pain. Is it because she thinks she has breast cancer? Or is the pain an inconvenience in her life?
What are Montgomery’s Tubercles?
Small sebaceous glands in the areola surrounding the nipple. They are a normal finding, they may become more pronounced during pregnancy.
What is cyclical breast pain?
This is breast pain that occurs with the menstrual cycle and is mediated by changing hormone levels. It is often described as a dullness. This tends to arrest after menopause.
What is non-cyclical breast pain?
Pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle in the breasts. This is an extramammary cause for pain such as costochondritis. Causes are often unclear.
What percentage of breast cancer cases present with breast pain?
3%
When a woman aged 40 and over presents with breast pain, what is the most appropriate investigation to arrange?
Bilateral screening mammogram
What colour is fibroglandular tissue on mammogram?
White
What colour is fatty tissue on mammogram?
Dark grey
What should the management steps include in a patient who presents with cyclical breast pain?
- Reassure the patient there is nothing sinister going on
- Advise the use of a well-fitting and supportive bra
- Use of topical NSAIDs when the pain is bad
- Change of COCP which may improve the symptoms
- Diet and lifestyle changes can sometimes be helpful
What is lactational mastitis?
An inflammatory condition of the interlobular connective tissue
What are the 2 types of lactational mastitis?
- Infective
2. Non-infective
What percentage of breastfeeding women are affected by lactational mastitis?
10%
What is the main cause of lactational mastitis?
Milk stasis - overproduction or insufficient removal of milk