One chest hurts. Pain in the mammary gland on the right in women

Delicate female organ

If for men the female breast is an attractive area of ​​the body, then for doctors it is, first of all, a gland with a complex structure. Most of the processes that occur in it are hormonal in nature. Chest pain can be caused by changes in the endocrine system. Want to know some more reasons why your chest hurts? You will find all the answers below.

Critical days for the mammary gland

More than half of women reproductive age note that their breasts change just before the onset of menstruation. There is an increase in the bust and some discomfort. Sometimes this same discomfort reaches the scale of mild pain. Most often, both mammary glands are affected, which is the main indicator that the pain is hormonal in nature. The culprits are substances such as prolactin, estrogen and oxytocin. Why do the mammary glands hurt before menstruation? An increase in estrogen levels leads to fluid retention in tissues. This is why the breasts swell and feel heavy. The fluid also compresses the nerve endings, causing them to respond.

Why do mammary glands hurt in pregnant women?

Breast tenderness is one of the first signs of an “interesting” situation. Such symptoms may appear even a week after conception. Usually the breasts swell, as before menstruation. Touching the nipples causes discomfort. Many women confuse this condition with premenstrual syndrome due to similar symptoms. The main difference: in pregnant women, the nipples darken and become covered with small tubercles.

Problems of nursing mothers

Breast pain is a common complaint of young mothers. For the first time, unpleasant sensations overtake a woman during the arrival of milk, this happens approximately on the third day after the birth of the child. The breasts greatly increase in size, and tingling and burning sensations may be felt in the mammary gland. If the baby is not attached correctly or if feeding is not done on time, milk stagnation may occur. It feels like a small pea in the gland, which hurts on palpation. The skin in this area often turns red. If measures are not taken, stagnation can develop into mastitis, which is an infectious disease. Urgent breast massage and frequent latching of the baby are required. If you do not know why the mammary glands hurt, then you need to as soon as possible consult a doctor.

Mastopathy

Lately

This is a common disease even among young girls. Its main cause is hormonal imbalance. Symptoms: burning sensation in the mammary gland, pain that intensifies before menstruation and is one-sided, discharge of yellowish fluid from the nipple, the presence of nodules in the gland. Mastopathy is a benign tumor in the breast. However, this disease requires careful monitoring by a doctor, as it can easily turn into a terrible tumor.

Breast injury

Why do the mammary glands hurt in other cases? After the blow, your chest may feel very sore. Internal swelling and hemorrhage cause compression nerve endings. In case of serious injury or long-lasting pain, it is better to consult a doctor. Damage to gland tissue can lead to various changes.

Breast tumor

This is the worst cause of chest pain. Unfortunately, breast cancer has become much younger and is becoming more common. That is why, if you have unexplained pain, as well as swelling and thickening in the chest area, you should urgently consult a doctor. Monthly in the middle menstrual cycle independently examine the breast and palpate.

Chest pain is a common complaint among premenopausal women. age period, pain in the mammary gland is much less common in older women. When your chest hurts, there can be many reasons, some of which are quite serious and pose a threat to life and health.

Find out why your chest hurts and aches on one side, what treatment is most appropriate in one case or another.

Basically, in medicine there are 2 types of chest pain:

Cyclical pain. When the mammary gland hurts cyclically, the causes of pain most likely lie in the body’s preparation for the next menstrual cycle. In such cases, a woman experiences pain in both mammary glands at once.

This kind of pain is not pathological and is observed in many women on the eve of menstruation. There is no point in worrying about them every month and there is no point in seeing a doctor.

Non-cyclical pain sensations. When the chest hurts without frequency, this indicates the presence of a non-cyclical nature of the pain. In this case, it often hurts not in both glands at once, but only on one side. What are the causes of this syndrome?

Non-cyclical pain, usually aching in nature, can intensify when moving the arm or touching the chest.

Reasons: why does your chest hurt?

Common

The reasons why one mammary gland hurts are varied:

Mastitis– the process of inflammation of breast tissue. When developing in the postpartum period, the first signs of mastitis can be noticed 3-4 days after birth. There is stagnation of milk in the breast, and this is the cause of mastitis in women in labor.

This pathology also occurs in healthy women, not only in those who have recently given birth and those who are breastfeeding. When the immune system is weakened and chronic disease processes begin in the body, for example, with sinusitis, bronchitis, and the like, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the mammary gland, causing inflammation in it.

Mastopathy- another reason why one breast may hurt. The disease is characterized by the formation benign neoplasms, represented by the proliferation of ducts inside the lobules, gland vesicles and connective tissue.

Therefore, some of the structures in the chest shrink, others expand, and this leads to a feeling of pain, which can radiate to the armpit and even limit the movement of the arm.

This pathology is formed against the background of severe hormonal disorders; mastopathy is dangerous because benign neoplasms can degenerate into malignant ones.

Fibroadenoma– the cause of pain in the mammary gland on one side. Here, a small benign tumor is formed from connective and glandular tissue.

It is directly related to the work of the hormonal glands. If the examination is carried out the day before or during the menstrual cycle, the tumor noticeably decreases in size.

Cancer- an insidious disease. Moreover, in the mammary gland at an early stage it practically does not show itself as painful sensations.

As the tumor grows, it affects the nerve endings, and pain in the mammary gland begins. The nature of the pain is individual and largely depends on the location of the tumor.

Incompletely cured mastopathy and late childbirth contribute to the development of cancerous tumors in the mammary glands.

Rare causes

Fat necrosis. Frequent causes are injuries in the mammary glands. Pathology is often confused with cancer.

Cyst- a cavity of connective tissue filled with fluid. If there is pain in one breast, the development of a cyst is explained by several assumptions, although it is not completely known why it occurs. A cyst in the mammary gland is dangerous because with any injury there is a risk of damage to the walls and the contents of the cyst can spill into the surrounding tissue.

Pain with cysts is usually severe and cannot be ignored.

Tight clothes. A bra that is incorrectly sized or made of synthetics may be the reason why the mammary gland often hurts.

Due to too tight tissue in the gland, stagnation processes begin, blocking proper blood circulation. If the harmful effects are not stopped in time, the mammary gland can become the site of the formation of malignant neoplasms.

When to see a doctor?

If you are concerned about non-cyclical pain in one gland, this is a definite reason to consult a surgeon or mammologist. Pay special attention to this:

1. The mammary gland has noticeably changed in size and shape, and asymmetry of the bust can be seen.
2. The nipple is changed: it can be retracted into the gland, or it can respond by releasing fluid to pressure.
3. When palpated, it is possible to detect a compaction in or around the gland.
4. There is pain when pressed.
5. The skin of the breast or around it has undergone any noticeable changes: it has become rough, redness, and peeling have appeared.

It is necessary to carefully assess the condition of the bust and if suspicious symptoms appear, do not postpone a visit to a specialist so that the situation does not worsen.

Breast pain: diagnosis and definition of the disease

Pain in one gland is not a symptom of any specific disease, which is why it is necessary to consult a specialist to understand the cause of the disease. The doctor, after listening to the complaints, evaluates:

1. Duration of pain.
2. Dependence of sensations on the menstrual cycle.
3. Localization of pain.
4. Are there any seals and where are they located relative to the site of pain?
5. Are there any changes in the nipple?
6. Could the changes in the glands be associated with taking hormonal medications?

After assessment general condition patient and breast examination, the doctor will have a rough idea of ​​what tests and diagnostic methods are best prescribed to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Also, after receiving the examination results, it will be possible to choose treatment tactics.

Most often, women complaining of pain in one breast are prescribed:

1. General analysis blood.
2. Blood chemistry.
3. X-ray chest.
4. Mammography.

In some cases, when diagnosis is difficult, they resort to repeating studies using contrast agents.

Breast pain: treatment

The choice of treatment method for pain that occurs in one breast depends on the specific disease that caused it.

Unsystematic treatment, based on a single symptom and not taking into account the diagnosis as a whole, may not only not relieve a woman of pain, but also aggravate the situation.

You can begin treatment only when an accurate diagnosis has been established and the doctor has chosen a treatment regimen. In some cases, therapy only involves taking medicines to achieve this or that result, and sometimes you have to resort to surgical operations to eliminate pathology.

If a woman notices pain in her breasts or any changes in its shape and structure, then this is a reason to consult a mammologist rather than self-medicate at home. Examination and proper therapy will help you get rid of pain and avoid more serious consequences.

Breast pain: what to do - video

On the video channel of Karolina Streltsova. Mammologist-oncologist, doctor answers questions highest category Tatiana Chernova.

How to do breast self-examination correctly?

On the video channel “Union of Pediatricians of Russia”. Mammologist M.L. Travina tells how to properly do self-examination of the mammary glands.

If a woman has pain in one breast, but almost no pain or discomfort is felt in the other, then this should alert you and be a reason to consult a mammologist. But first find out everything possible reasons such a symptom.

Norm or pathology

The female mammary gland has complex structure and is represented by several types of tissues: adipose, connective and glandular. If their ratio is violated under the influence various factors Some changes may be observed, including those accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. The structure often changes under the influence of hormones, because the female breast is a hormone-dependent organ. And the background can undergo changes not only due to diseases or pathologies, but also in different phases of the cycle.

For most women, pain or discomfort in the mammary glands is observed before menstruation and is one of the symptoms premenstrual syndrome(PMS). But in this case, two breasts are involved in the process at once, because hormones have an effect on them almost equally. If only one breast hurts, this most likely indicates some pathology or disorder. Therefore, if such a sign is detected, you should visit a doctor.

The most common causes of pain

The reasons why one breast may become sore are very diverse. But the most common are the following:

• Mastopathy. This benign disease is diagnosed in approximately 70-80% of women and is characterized by pathological changes tissue ratios and disorders of the structure of the mammary glands. Moreover, two breasts can be involved in the pathological process at once, but unpleasant or painful sensations are sometimes observed only in one, which is associated with differences in structure and structural changes. Thus, in one mammary gland benign neoplasms or pathologically overgrown areas of tissue may be found, compressing the nerve endings and causing pain.
• Mastitis often develops in lactating women due to stagnation of milk and the inflammation of the mammary gland provoked by it. And if stagnation is observed in only one breast, then the symptoms will affect only that one.
• Cyst. Such a neoplasm is a fluid-filled cavity, is benign in nature and is usually localized in only one gland. Cysts are not always accompanied by pain and are sometimes discovered by chance during a routine examination. But if the tumor is significant in size and compresses the nerve endings, then pain may well occur.
• Fibroadenoma is a tumor that is also benign in nature and is formed from connective and glandular tissues when their relationship is disturbed. If a fibroadenoma grows to a significant size, it can cause discomfort and cause the development of symptoms such as pain, a feeling of fullness or heaviness.
• Breast cancer. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is not rare. On early stages it almost does not make itself felt, but as the tumor grows, alarming symptoms, for example, a feeling of fullness or heaviness, pain, hyperemia, pathological discharge from the nipple, changes in the size and shape of the mammary gland.
• Mechanical damage. Even one minor blow that you immediately forgot about can lead to bruising and damage to the breast tissue and cause pain. By the way, to mechanical stress This may also include wearing incorrectly selected underwear, which causes compression of individual areas or the entire breast.

Rare causes of pain in one breast

Here are some less common reasons why one breast may hurt:

• Stretching the pectoral muscles. It is quite possible if a woman plays sports or has performed difficult physical work without special training. With sprains, the pain, as a rule, is aching and intensifies during muscle activation, that is, when moving the arms, especially sharp ones.
• Fat necrosis is a fairly rare condition that occurs due to significant damage in the absence of timely assistance. Pain will not be the only symptom; others will join it: changes in the structure and color of the skin, hyperemia, distension.
• Lung diseases. Since the respiratory organs are located in the chest, they can also lead to pain in the chest. But they can be distinguished from symptoms caused by changes in the structure and structure of the mammary glands. So, with palpation the sensations do not intensify, but they can arise and become more pronounced during deep breaths, with sudden raising of the arms and other movements, as well as with coughing. And although the pain is often accompanied by the formation of sputum, tickling and coughing, in some cases such signs are absent or appear to a minor extent. For example, pneumonia can be virtually asymptomatic and accompanied only by barely noticeable discomfort.
• If one breast hurts, especially when changing body position or sudden movements, then the cause of this symptom may be intercostal neuralgia. This condition develops as a result of irritation or compression between the ribs nerve fibers and endings. Neuralgia can be caused by diseases of the spine or joints, stress, intense exercise and other factors. It manifests itself in the form of sharp shooting pains, which usually occur when bending, turning, raising the arms and trying to change position.

Diagnostic measures

If you notice pain in one mammary gland, then you should not expect it to disappear on its own and without intervention. You should consult a mammologist as soon as possible and undergo an examination to find out the causes of the pain. Some neoplasms can be palpated, but more informative diagnostic procedures are required to clarify and make an accurate diagnosis.

To determine the causes of pain, diagnostic measures such as mammography, ultrasound of the mammary glands, radiography, ductography (a study with the introduction of contrast agents into the milk ducts), blood tests, as well as puncture or biopsy to differentiate detected tumors may be prescribed.

If you are reading these lines, we can conclude that all your attempts to combat chest pain have not been successful... Have you even read anything about medications designed to defeat the infection? And this is not surprising, because mastopathy can be fatal to humans - it can develop very quickly.

• Frequent pain in the chest
• Discomfort
• Experiences
• Discharge
• Skin changes

Pain treatment is aimed primarily at eliminating the causes of the symptom and directly depends on them. In some cases, conservative therapy is sufficient; sometimes a specialist chooses a wait-and-see approach without intervention, and sometimes surgery is required to remove tumors. Pain in one breast should alert you and be a reason to contact a mammologist. Take care of your health and do not delay visiting a specialist.

bolivgrudi.ru

Why do you have pain in one breast?

Chest pain is a fairly common complaint for premenopausal women, but it is much less common in older women. If your chest hurts, there may be several reasons, and some of them pose a serious threat to life and health.

Types of pain

Basically, doctors distinguish between two types of chest pain:

Such pain is not a pathological condition and worries many women on the eve of menstruation. There is no point in worrying about them and seeing a doctor every month.

1. Non-cyclical. If the chest hurts without any system, then the pain is called non-cyclical. Most often it hurts not in both glands at once, but only in one. There are several reasons that provoke the development of this unpleasant syndrome.

Non-cyclical pain in the mammary gland is usually aching, but the pain can intensify in response to movements and touches to the chest, and sometimes it also hurts in the armpit area, thus limiting movements in the arm.

Common reasons

The reasons why one mammary gland is affected by pain are very diverse.

• Mastitis. Mastitis is a process of inflammation that affects breast tissue. If this disease develops in the postpartum period, then the first signs can be noticed already 3-4 days after birth. The breast becomes a place of stagnation of milk - this is why mastitis develops in women in labor.

This pathology occurs not only in women who have recently given birth and breastfeeding, but also in completely healthy ones. If a woman’s immunity is weakened, and chronic processes occur in the body, for example, sinusitis, then pathogenic microorganisms can enter the mammary gland.

• Mastopathy. Mastopathy is another reason why one breast may hurt. This disease is characterized by the formation of benign neoplasms, which are represented by the proliferation of ducts inside the lobules, gland vesicles and the connective tissue itself.

As a result, some structures in the chest become excessively compressed while others expand too much, resulting in a feeling of soreness that can radiate to the armpit and limit the movement of the arm.

Mastopathy usually develops against the background of severe hormonal imbalances and is dangerous because benign neoplasms degenerate into malignant ones if the approach to treatment is inattentive.

Fibroadenoma is closely related to the work of the hormonal glands, since if you conduct an examination on the eve of or during the menstrual cycle, you can notice a decrease in the size of the tumor.

• Cancer. This pathology is especially dangerous and does not provoke pain if it is at an early stage - this is its main insidiousness.

As the tumor grows and spreads, it begins to affect the nerve endings, which leads to the development of pain in the gland affected by the tumor. Complaints describing pain may differ from patient to patient depending on the location of the tumor.

Untreated mastopathy, as well as late childbirth, contribute to the development of cancerous tumors in the mammary glands.

More rare causes

• Fat necrosis. Why does fat necrosis develop in the mammary gland? The most common cause of this pathology is injuries in the mammary glands. Due to the similarity of symptoms, this pathology is often confused with cancer.
• Cyst. If there is pain in the breast, then the development of a cyst may explain why this symptom appears. A cyst is a cavity made of connective tissue that is filled with fluid.

The reason why they form cystic formations, is still completely unknown, although there are many assumptions. The most dangerous cyst in the mammary gland is that with the slightest injury there is a risk of damage to the walls, which is why the contents of the cyst spill into the surrounding tissue.

The pain in women with cysts is usually severe and cannot be ignored.

• Incorrectly selected underwear. A bra that is the wrong size or made of synthetics is why the mammary gland often hurts.

This happens due to the fact that due to too dark tissue in the gland, stagnation occurs and proper blood circulation is blocked. If the harmful effects are not stopped in time, the mammary gland can become the site of the formation of malignant neoplasms.

Should I go to the doctors?

If you are worried about non-cyclical pain in one gland, then this is undoubtedly a reason to consult a doctor. In what cases is it immediately clear why it is necessary not to postpone a visit to a specialist?

• The mammary gland has noticeably changed in size and shape, and asymmetry of the bust can be seen.
• The nipple is changed: it can be retracted into the gland, or it can respond by releasing fluid to pressure.
• When palpated, it is possible to detect a compaction in or around the gland.
• There is pain when pressed.
• The skin of the breast or around it has undergone any noticeable changes: it has become rough, redness, and peeling have appeared.

It is necessary to carefully assess the condition of the bust and if suspicious symptoms appear, do not postpone a visit to a specialist so that the situation does not worsen.

Diagnostics

Pain in one gland is not a symptom of any specific disease, which is why it is necessary to consult a specialist to understand the cause of the disease. The doctor, after listening to the complaints, evaluates:

• Duration of pain.
• Dependence of sensations on the menstrual cycle.
• Localization of pain.
• Are there any seals and where are they located relative to the site of pain?
• Are there any changes in the nipple?
• Could the changes in the glands be associated with taking hormonal medications?

After assessing the patient's general condition and examining the breasts, the doctor will have a rough idea of ​​what tests and diagnostic methods are best prescribed to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Also, after receiving the examination results, it will be possible to choose treatment tactics.

Most often, women complaining of pain in one breast are prescribed:

• General blood analysis.
• Blood chemistry.
• Chest X-ray.
• Mammography.

In some cases, when diagnosis is difficult, they resort to repeating studies using contrast agents.

Treatment

The choice of treatment method for pain that occurs in one breast depends on the specific disease that caused it.

Unsystematic treatment, based on a single symptom and not taking into account the diagnosis as a whole, may not only not relieve a woman of pain, but also aggravate the situation.

You can begin treatment only when an accurate diagnosis has been established and the doctor has chosen a treatment regimen. In some cases, therapy only involves taking medications to achieve a particular result, and sometimes it is necessary to resort to surgery to eliminate the pathology.

If a woman notices pain in her breasts or any changes in its shape and structure, then this is a reason to consult a mammologist rather than self-medicate at home. Examination and proper therapy will help you get rid of pain and avoid more serious consequences.

prozhelezu.ru

One breast hurts - causes, diagnosis and treatment

One of the common reasons for visiting a doctor is breast problems. Pain in one or two breasts is common. Natural causes of occurrence do not require diagnosis and treatment. However, in some cases it may be pathological reasons pain.

Only a doctor can determine why your chest hurts. Pain before menstruation, as well as during pregnancy, is normal. The pain is localized in both mammary glands. If the pain appears only in one breast, then you should undergo medical diagnostics.

On the website zheleza.com we will look at the common causes of pain in one breast. However, we should not forget that human body unique. Only after diagnosing the body will it be clear exactly why the chest hurts.

Types of pain

Diagnosis of the disease begins with determining the type of pain. Doctors mainly distinguish two types:

1. Cyclical. These pain sensations are familiar to all women. They usually occur before the arrival of menstruation every month. In this case, pain manifests itself in both mammary glands. This speaks of preparation female body either to conception or to menstruation.

If a woman notices similar cyclical pains that occur before the onset of menstruation and disappear after their arrival (bleeding), you should not consult a doctor. The pain goes away on its own and appears again after a month, which is normal.

1. Non-cyclical. Such pain does not have a specific cycle of occurrence. It either appears and does not go away, or bothers you for no reason. IN in this case the pain is often localized to one breast rather than both. This indicates pathologies that only a doctor can determine.

When the pain is not cyclical, it is often aching, intensifying with body movements and touching the chest. It can also radiate into the armpit and arm, making it painful to move. The causes of such pain can be very diverse. Let's consider them further.

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Common reasons

There are diseases that affect just one breast a large number of. As a result, the woman feels pain. Which common reasons is she called?

• Mastitis is the most common chest disease, which affects breast tissue. Often it develops into postpartum period, which can be noticed 3-4 days after birth. Milk begins to stagnate in the breast, which becomes the main symptom.

Mastitis can develop not only in women who have given birth and who are breastfeeding. It can occur in healthy patients whose bodies have chronic infectious diseases or weakened immunity, which allows infections to penetrate the mammary gland.

• Mastopathy is the formation of benign neoplasms in the form of proliferation of ducts inside the vesicles of the gland, lobules and connective tissue. As a result, part of the breast shrinks and the other increases. Pain appears that can radiate to the armpit or arm, making it difficult to move.

Mastopathy is often a consequence of hormonal disorders in the body. The danger is that benign formations without elimination they become malignant.

• Fibroadenoma is a benign tumor in one breast, which is formed from glandular and connective tissue. Fibroadenoma depends on hormonal levels, which is why the tumor may decrease before menstruation.

• Cancer is the most dangerous disease, which also provokes pain in one breast. At the early stage of its appearance, it does not cause any pain. However, as it grows, it affects the nerve endings, which causes pain. The sensations in this case are different for each patient, which depends on the location of the tumor.

Late childbirth and untreated mastopathy lead to cancerous tumors in the breast.

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More rare causes

Not all reasons have been considered as factors causing pain in one breast. There are more rare causes, which also cause similar symptom:

• Fat necrosis, which is the result of trauma to the mammary gland. Its symptoms resemble cancer.
• A cyst is a cavity formed by connective tissue and filled with fluid. The pain associated with this disease is usually very severe; a woman simply cannot help but notice it. The reasons for the appearance of cysts in the breast have not yet been clarified. The danger is that if the mammary gland is injured, the walls of the cyst may be damaged, which can cause the contents to spill onto adjacent tissues.
• Incorrectly selected underwear. The simplest and most favorable option for pain in one or both breasts is uncomfortable, tight or synthetic underwear. If a bra is tight, constricts, or does not fit the shape of a woman’s breasts, then while she is wearing it, it causes pain. When the bra is removed, the pain gradually goes away.

An incorrectly selected bra provokes congestion in the mammary gland and impairs blood circulation. If a woman does nothing about it, then malignant tumors may soon appear.

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Do I need to go to the doctor?

Not every pain should prompt a woman to visit a doctor. However, the appearance of non-cyclical pain in one breast should be the main reasons why you need to go to a mammologist.

Let's consider the factors after the appearance of which a visit to a doctor should become mandatory and urgent:

1. Bust asymmetry appeared. One breast has become larger than the other, its shape has changed, and lumps are felt.
2. Changes in the nipple. It became a different color, was drawn into the mammary gland, and began to secrete strange discharges, especially fetid or purulent in nature.
3. Pain when pressed or touched that does not go away.
4. Seal. If you palpate the chest, you can notice some lumps or clots.
5. Changes in the skin of the chest. It became rough, flaky, red, and wrinkled.

Such symptoms indicate the onset of breast disease. The non-cyclical nature of pain is proof of this. A visit to a mammologist should not be postponed if such signs occur, so as not to lead to complications.

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Diagnosis of pain

Since there are a large number of reasons for the appearance of pain in one breast, without medical care not enough. He will be able to diagnose various methods, which will help determine the cause of the pain. First, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints and finds out:

• Localization of pain.
• Duration of pain.
• Are there any changes in the nipple?
• How dependent is pain on the menstrual cycle?
• Are there any seals and where are they located relative to pain?
• Could taking hormonal medications be the cause of the pain?

Depending on the first answers received from the patient herself and upon examination, the doctor makes suggestions as to what may be the cause of the pain. Depending on the first diagnosis, a number of diagnostic measures are prescribed. If the diagnosis confirms the assumption, then appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Often, women who turn to a mammologist because of pain in one breast undergo the following tests:

1. Blood analysis.
2. Mammography.
3. Chest X-ray.

If diagnostic measures do not give an unambiguous result, then they may resort to contrast agents.

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Treatment of chest pain

After diagnosis, doctors immediately begin treatment. It is entirely based on the tests that were obtained, as well as on the diagnosis that was ultimately made. Treatment for chest pain is aimed at eliminating main reason their occurrence.

If a woman does not consult a doctor, but tries to eliminate pain in one breast, complications may arise and the situation may worsen. Treating a symptom does not eliminate the cause of its occurrence—the disease.

Treatment is prescribed only after diagnosis is made based on the obtained diagnostic tests. Treatment is often based on taking various medications that help eliminate the disease. However, in some situations and severe cases we may be talking about surgical intervention to eliminate the pathology.

It is impossible to unambiguously describe the course of treatment due to the variety of causes of pain in one breast. Each disease has its own characteristics, taking into account individual characteristics body. Specialists are able to help a woman cure the disease in the early stages. The later stages do not always end with a happy ending.

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Forecast

Every woman has breast pain. Often this is simply due to the cyclical nature of menstruation, which provokes the release of hormones into the blood, causing pain in the chest. In this case, pain is observed in both mammary glands and ends with the onset of menstrual bleeding. In this case, the prognosis always remains favorable.

However, events unfold differently when pain occurs in one breast and is not associated with menstrual cycles. Here we are often talking about diseases, some of which are easily treated, while others may never be cured. The sooner a woman turns to a mammologist for help, the faster treatment and possible recovery will occur.

In particular difficult situations we can talk about life expectancy. Appearance malignant tumors leads to lethal results. How long the patient will live will depend on the stage of the disease and the progression of development. In any case, you should consult a doctor, since there are stories of incredible healing of cancer patients.

zheleza.com

Why does the left mammary gland hurt?

Hello dear readers. Pain in the mammary gland on the left is not uncommon in women. It frightens not so much the possibility of developing cancer as the fear of a heart attack.

If such pain has knocked on your door, and you want to know why your breasts are bothering you, is the pain always associated with pathology of the mammary gland, and which specialist should you contact? Then this article is for you.

Today we review the reasons pain syndrome both associated with breast pathology and not associated with negative processes in glandular tissues.

Discomfort associated with changes in the mammary gland

Unilateral pain, as a rule, is acyclic mastodynia. It bothers women more often after 40 years. Although this phenomenon cannot be ruled out in more early age. In this case, both the left and the left side can equally well hurt. right breast.

If it hurts left breast in a nursing mother, or in a woman immediately after cessation of lactation, this may be a blockage of the milk duct. Lactostasis develops - a rather painful phenomenon that can easily develop into mastitis.

If the gland is hard, the skin of the bust is red and feverish, it is probably mastitis. Less commonly, an abscess develops as a result of mastitis. Inflammation of the mammary gland is amenable to conservative treatment. If an abscess has formed, the pus, unfortunately, will not go anywhere; you will have to open the tissue and cleanse the chest of suppuration.

The causes of non-cyclic mastodynia in older age are often tumors developing in the mammary gland:

1. Benign (papillary, cysts, fibroadenomas and others). The neoplasms themselves are not painful and lead to discomfort when they reach large sizes, squeezing surrounding tissues. If, when you press on the gland, a chocolate secretion comes out of your nipple or you feel dense formations, you should hurry to see a mammologist.
2. Malignant neoplasms. Cancer makes itself felt by pain at a late stage of the pathological process. The pain is accompanied by discharge from the nipple, changes in the shape of the nipple and breast, peeling and hyperemia of the skin.

Injuries to the chest area can have long-term consequences. Internal hematomas may fester. Connective tissue may grow at the site of the injury. This causes discomfort. Traumatization of the delicate tissues of the bust can even serve as an impetus for the development of cancer.

The cause of discomfort may be an anatomical defect of the lobules of glandular tissue, leading to disruption of the patency of the intraglandular ducts, swelling and pain. Another cause of pain can be a blockage of the sebaceous duct. IN the latter case there is a risk of developing atheroma. Inflammatory processes affecting the apocrine sweat glands under the armpit lead to hidradenitis ( bitch's udder) and pain in both the armpit and chest area.

If you experience itching and burning in the nipple area, the skin around the areola turns red, and slight swelling appears, most likely you have thrush or another fungal infection. Less commonly, these symptoms may be a sign of an allergy (contact dermatitis).

Before menstruation, unilateral mastalgia is rare. Usually the nipples become rough, sore and itchy, and the glands ache under the influence of increased levels of hormones in the blood of both mammary glands. If only your left breast hurts, the pain radiates to the armpit, contact a mammologist. You may be developing fibrocystic disease and the process is more active in the left gland. Mastopathy is more often diagnosed in patients aged 30-50 years. But it can develop at the age of 20. The sooner you start treatment, the better.

If your left one usually becomes a little denser before your period and seems to increase in size, but now you notice a delay, you feel aching in the lower back, weakness in the legs and nagging pain in the lower abdomen, run to the gynecologist, perhaps:

• you are pregnant and have implantation pain;
• your pregnancy is in danger of failure;
• the embryo is fixed in the tube.

Gynecological ailments can cause mastalgia. Moreover, the pain can be not just noticeable, but irritating. But more often than not, in this case, both glands hurt.

Discomfort not associated with breast pathology

If you are over 50 years old and the peak of hormonal disturbances is behind you, and you feel pain on the left side of your chest, why is this?

You are in the prime of your life, you have no problems with the glandular tissue of your breasts, your gynecology is normal, but under your left breast there is a painful “pin” persistently sticking out, what could it be?

After 50 years, there are many reasons for pain behind the sternum and in the mammary glands:

• osteochodrosis and cervical-brachial syndrome;
• myositis of the pectoral muscles, their stretching or microtears;
• pathologies of the heart and blood vessels (heart attack, thromboembolism, aortic aneurysm, angina pectoris);
• diseases internal organs(pancreas, liver, gastrointestinal tract, spleen);
• hidradenitis;
• diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis);
• neuroses, dystonia.

All these reasons are not obligatory for the period of menopause and the postmenopausal stage of a woman’s life. They can also appear at a young age.

If you are easily excitable, it is not difficult to make you cry or be upset, stupid, It's a dull pain from the heart - this is a sign of dystonia or neurosis. Pain in the area of ​​the left breast is often a companion to depression.

If there is an acute sharp pain radiating to the left arm and shoulder blade, especially if it intensifies during inhalation - this is one of the leading signs of a heart attack. However, you may experience difficulties with fine motor skills fingers (it’s difficult to hold the handle, you drop cups and plates that literally “jump out” of your hands).

Severe chest pain on the left with cardialgia caused by rheumatic carditis, NCD, angina pectoris, hypertension. In this case, the pain is often localized over the left gland, and there is a feeling of lack of air and fear.

Aortic rupture is accompanied by unbearable painful paroxysm, high heart rate, aortic pulsation and even low-grade fever. Probably, what to do in this case doesn’t even need to be said. Calling an emergency team would be the best solution.

If the skin of your arm tingles, you feel pain in your left arm and the mammary gland area, this arm does not function normally - these are signs of damage to the nerve endings in the cervicothoracic area spinal column with osteochondrosis.

Tingling on the left side of the chest in the area of ​​the gland and with cervical-brachial syndrome, if the nerves and vessels in the area of ​​the left are affected brachial plexus. Wherein left hand noticeably numb, blood pressure when measured on this side is reduced. The reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon:

• carrying heavy weights on the shoulders;
• work with arms raised up.

Aching pain on the left side in the bust area may indicate chronic inflammation pancreas or unpleasant processes in the digestive system as a whole. It is usually accompanied by nausea, impaired appetite and digestion, stool upset and even vomiting. The same symptoms can occur with severe anemia. At the same time, weakness “piles up” such that the pillowcase seems like a heavy object.

Pain appears on the side or under the gland due to pancreatitis, peptic ulcer Gastrointestinal tract. With the development of esophagitis, in addition to nausea and heartburn, you may be bothered by burning pain in the chest, which must be differentiated from cardiac pain.

The causes of pain in the area of ​​the left mammary gland do not end there. Pleurisy and tracheobronchitis are very painful, because the pleura is rich in nerve receptors. Typically, pain occurs in the upper chest and is accompanied by a painful cough.

If you have pain on the left side of your chest, usually above or below the mammary gland. When pressing, the pain intensifies; most likely, you have a “cold” or stretched pectoral muscle.

Even infectious diseases can cause severe pain in the left side of the chest, which is poorly eliminated by analgesics, even serious ones. For example, herpes zoster (herpesvirus) may appear as patches on the upper chest, to the left of the chest, and below the mid-nipple line.

Types of breast tumors

Although most women are used to having painful sensations in their mammary glands once a month, sometimes breast pain in women can cause concern: is it cancer? Such thoughts appear especially often among those over 40.

All women's pain in the chest (mastalgia) can be divided into two types: cyclic and non-cyclic. Having figured out what type of problem your problem is, you can understand how terrible it is. This also determines what methods should be used to “treat” it.

• Cyclic pain is associated with the menstrual cycle. Their occurrence in its second half is natural phenomenon. A few days before the start of menstruation, they may intensify. For some women, the pain is so severe that it interferes with normal functioning and causes anxiety. In this case, it makes sense to consult a doctor who will recommend an adequate remedy for pain.
• Non-cyclical pain has nothing to do with the menstrual cycle and, accordingly, is caused by other reasons: diseases, injuries or something else.

Pain in the mammary glands often occurs during PMS

In most cases (two out of three), pain in the mammary glands is explained by hormonal reasons and is caused by changes in the body during menstruation. Non-cyclical pain is quite rare, but how dangerous they are - read on.

Chest pain in women: causes

But first, let's dot the i's with menstrual pain. Here, the reasons are absolutely clear: hormones live by their own rules, and the fact that they cause inconvenience to us does not bother them. So if the unpleasant sensations intensify, there is no need to worry - this is not a disease, but you just need to deal with it somehow. Fight the pain in the usual way– using paracetamol or ibuprofen. You can also use an ointment for external use with an analgesic effect.

If these over-the-counter remedies do not help, you should consult a doctor. He will recommend special drugs that reduce the level of estrogen (female sex hormone) in the blood - tamoxifen, danazol, bromocreptine or others. They need to be taken on an ongoing basis, and not just when pain occurs.

Reception oral contraceptives, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications arterial pressure, may aggravate chest pain before menstruation. A gynecologist will help regulate their effect on the body.

Pregnancy, according to doctors, is the most common cause of discomfort. Take the test before visiting the doctor!

But the causes of non-cyclical pain are more varied, and are in no way connected with hormonal phenomena on the eve of menstruation. Most often women over 40 years old complain about them. They can be called:

• Mastopathy (formation of benign tumors in tissues female breast- a consequence of hormonal changes).
• Infection, inflammatory processes(in particular, mastitis).
• Shingles.
• Rare structural changes in the chest.
• Chest muscle strains.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Retention of fluid in the body, especially during menstruation.
• Breast cancer.

Please note: the worst thing - breast cancer - is in last place on this list. Cases where it is accompanied by pain are very, very rare. It can appear in its later stages, but it begins generally painlessly.

As for mastopathy, it main feature– lumps in the chest, not pain. Sometimes overgrown tissue blocks the ducts in the mammary glands and disrupts lymph flow, which also causes mastalgia.

In any case, if the slightest concern appears, it is better not to think and guess, but to visit female doctor. After forty there are no options at all. The examination and examination will definitely show whether there is anything unnecessary in this part of the body.

At the doctor

When going to the doctor, be prepared for him to ask you the following questions:

• When was your last menstruation?
• Are there any cycle irregularities?
• How long have you had chest pain?
• Which area of ​​the chest hurts the most?
• Does it hurt in one breast or both?
• Is there any discharge from the nipples?
• What medications are you currently taking?

After this, the gynecologist will conduct a manual examination of the mammary glands and lymph nodes in the armpits. If it finds nothing, its further actions depend on your age. He will send women over 40 years of age additionally for mammography. If it shows the presence of neoplasms, you will need to undergo a biopsy to determine the nature of the tumor - malignant or benign.

Manual inspection is the first and most important verification method

The most reliable diagnostic method that will give accurate advice is mammography.

Further treatment depends entirely on the cause of the pain. The doctor's prescription may only consist of a recommendation to wear a more comfortable bra, and not the one that caused your chest compression - and subsequent pain.

He will recommend eating less salt if excess fluid accumulates in your body. Taking vitamins E or B6 will help correct the neuro-emotional background - and thereby eliminate the consequences of the stress experienced when your chest took the blow.

It happens that pain appears only in the right or only in the left breast. This is not a symptom of some special, separate disease. For example, premenstrual mastalgia can manifest itself in this selective way - and this is normal. This may also be due to compression pectoral muscle a heavy bag that you always carry on your right (or left) shoulder.

Pain may occur only in a certain area of ​​the mammary glands

Stop doing this and everything will return to normal. And one of the mammary glands (as well as both at once) can become ill during breastfeeding. Bacteria from the baby's mouth or the environment enter through the nipple and cause inflammation - mastitis. It is accompanied by fever and redness of the skin.

If you have left and right breasts different sizes, perhaps the mastalgia is caused by the fact that one of them (the larger one) started a protest against discrimination by the bra. Her “partner” is in comfortable conditions, but he puts shameless pressure on her. Choose a bra that is a larger size or a different model (very good - with wide straps).

A visit to your doctor may also reveal (or confirm) that you are interesting position. And chest pain often appears during pregnancy (also due to hormones).

Not only treatment, but also prevention will help you forget about chest pain: active sex life, normal work and rest schedule, wearing comfortable underwear, constant monitoring of the condition of your body and regular monitoring by a gynecologist.

Many women at one time or another in their lives have encountered the problem of chest pain. The appearance of these symptoms should not cause panic or fear, but they should not be taken lightly either. In order for every woman to have peace of mind about her health, and, if necessary, to be able to undergo the necessary course of treatment in a timely manner, she needs to become familiar with the symptoms and causes of pain in the mammary glands.

Cyclic and non-cyclical chest pain

Pain localized in the mammary glands has a medical name - mastalgia. Mastalgia is divided into two groups - cyclic and non-cyclic.

Cyclic mastalgia or mammalgia- pain in mammary glands women, which occurs on certain days of the menstrual cycle, namely two to seven days before the start of the next menstruation. For most women, this pain does not cause discomfort - it is not very strong, more like a feeling of fullness of the mammary glands, a burning sensation inside them. Within a couple of days, these sensations disappear without a trace.

A woman's breasts change throughout life. In one menstrual cycle the effect various hormones, which are produced in the female body, stimulate the tone or relaxation of the walls of the excretory ducts in the mammary glands, and affect the tissue of the lobules. About a week before the onset of menstrual bleeding, a large number of epithelial cells and lobular secretions accumulate in the ducts of the mammary glands. The mammary glands swell, more blood flows to them, they become larger in volume and dense, painful to the touch. Cyclic breast pain in women always manifests itself simultaneously in both mammary glands.

In some women, cyclic mastodynia manifests itself pathologically strongly. The pain sometimes becomes simply unbearable, and the woman cannot lead a normal life, do her usual activities, and feels very bad on such days. As a rule, increased pain in the mammary glands is a sign that some pathological process is beginning in the body, and the woman needs to see a doctor for examination and subsequent treatment, if necessary.

Non-cyclical pain in the mammary glands are not associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle; they are always provoked by some other factors, in some cases pathological.

When a woman's body undergoes changes associated with hormonal changes - the level of female sex hormones increases. Under the influence of estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin, the lobules of the mammary glands begin to swell, secretion is formed in the ducts, and at the end of pregnancy - colostrum. From the first days of pregnancy, a woman’s breasts acquire increased sensitivity, even soreness. As you know, soreness and engorgement of a woman’s mammary glands are. This breast soreness in the first weeks of pregnancy can also vary - from a slight burning sensation, tingling of the nipples, to strong voltage mammary glands and dull pain, radiating to the shoulder blades, lower back, arms. Such phenomena usually disappear completely by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, that is, by the 10th – 12th weeks.

A woman’s breasts are intensively preparing for the upcoming feeding of the baby and lactation. Women note a significant enlargement of the mammary glands, various tingling sensations in them, feelings of tension, engorgement. But these phenomena are not painful; normally they should not be accompanied by severe pain. If a woman notices pain that does not go away, and even more so if the pain is localized only in one mammary gland, she should seek advice from her gynecologist in order to exclude various diseases And pathological processes, not related to pregnancy.

What signs indicate that a woman should immediately consult a doctor?

• Chest pain occurs regardless of the menstrual cycle.
• The nature of the pain can be described as an unbearable burning sensation, severe compression in the glands.
• The pain is localized in one breast, is not distributed throughout the entire mammary gland, but is expressed only in a certain area.
• Pain in the mammary glands does not go away, but intensifies over time.
• In parallel with pain or discomfort in the chest, a woman notices an increase in body temperature, deformation of the mammary glands, nodes and any formations in the breast, the most painful areas, redness of the glands, discharge of fluid or blood from the nipples (not associated with the last months of pregnancy) .
• The woman notices pain every day for a long period of time, more than two weeks.
• Pain in the mammary glands prevents a woman from doing her daily activities, causes neurasthenia, insomnia, and does not allow her to wear regular clothes due to pressure on the breasts.

What diseases are accompanied by pain in the mammary glands?

Mastopathy– these are fibrocystic growths in the mammary glands of a woman, an imbalance between the connective and epithelial tissues. Mastopathy causes non-cyclical pain in the mammary glands. Mastopathy appears in women in case of hormonal instability, under the influence of various unfavorable factors that change the normal hormonal background of the female body. These factors include abortion, neuroses, chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases female genitalia, diseases thyroid gland, pathological conditions of the pituitary gland, liver diseases, cessation of breastfeeding with increased lactation, irregular sex life.

Mastopathy in women does not appear suddenly. It develops over several years, while in the mammary glands of a woman, when normal physiological processes are disrupted, foci of epithelial tissue grow, which compress the ducts, nerve roots, and interfere normal outflow secretions in the ducts deform the lobules of the mammary glands. Today mastopathy is the most common benign disease mammary glands, it is observed mainly in women 30-50 years old. With mastopathy, a woman notes a feeling of burning, bloating, and compression in the mammary glands. She may also experience other symptoms - nausea, lack of appetite, dizziness, abdominal pain. Mastopathy is pathological condition, which requires observation by a doctor, and in many cases, systematic treatment.

Infectious and inflammatory processes in the mammary glands - diseases that can cause both chest pain and an increase in overall body temperature, deteriorating a woman’s well-being. Pain due to infectious and inflammatory diseases there are mammary glands of various nature, but most often - shooting, aching, radiating to the shoulder blades, armpits, and stomach. Most often, mastitis is observed in women who have recently given birth, during breastfeeding baby. These diseases require urgent treatment at the doctor's.

Breast cancer– a malignant neoplasm in the mammary gland, which is characterized by the formation of large accumulations of atypical cells in it, which form a tumor over time. In some cases, breast cancer develops asymptomatically until a certain stage, so a woman should be especially attentive to any changes in her body. The most common changes in the mammary gland during cancer – « Orange peel"on a certain area of ​​the skin, severe peeling of the mammary gland and nipple, deformation of the nipple and the shape of the mammary gland, thickening, retraction of the mammary gland, bloody discharge from the nipple, retraction of the nipple. If pain occurs in the mammary glands, especially in one of the glands, and this pain is in no way related to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, you should consult a doctor for advice to exclude the development of cancer.

What conditions and diseases of women also cause pain in the mammary glands?

• Treatment hormonal drugs for infertility or hormonal imbalance menstrual cycle, menopause.
• Very large breast size; Tight underwear that does not match your breast size.
• Other diseases that cause pain radiating to the mammary glands - herpes zoster, thoracic osteochondrosis, heart disease, intercostal neuralgia, diseases lymph nodes axillary areas, cysts in the fatty tissue of the breast, furunculosis.
• Taking certain oral contraceptives.

At unpleasant symptoms and pain in the mammary glands that continues long time, and are accompanied by additional pathological symptoms, the woman should definitely contact her treating gynecologist, who, if necessary, will refer her for consultation and examination to a mammologist and endocrinologist.

Examinations that a woman undergoes for pain in the mammary glands not related to pregnancy:

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, which is performed a week after the start of menstruation.
• Study of hormonal levels (thyroid hormones, prolactin).
• Oncological markers (complex diagnostic procedures to identify the risk of developing cancer in the mammary gland).
• Ultrasound of the breast, which is performed in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Why might your chest hurt? Real reviews:

Maria:

A few years ago I was diagnosed fibrous mastopathy. Then I went to the doctor complaining of very severe pain, and this pain was localized not in the mammary glands themselves, but in the armpits and shoulder blades. During the initial examination, the gynecologist felt nodes in the glands and sent me for mammography. During the treatment, I had an ultrasound of the mammary glands and puncture of nodes in the mammary gland. The treatment took place in several stages, with a gynecologist. At the very beginning, I underwent a course of anti-inflammatory treatment, since I also suffered from salpingitis and oophoritis. Then I was assigned hormone therapy using oral contraception. As the doctor said, the development of mastopathy could be influenced by taking oral contraceptives of the old generation, with high content hormones.

Hope:

I was diagnosed with mastopathy at the age of 33, and since then I have been under constant supervision of my gynecologist. Every year I had an ultrasound of the mammary glands, and a year ago the doctor suggested I have a mammogram. All these years I have been bothered by very severe chest pains, which were most severe before menstruation. After the mammogram, I was prescribed a comprehensive treatment, which immediately alleviated my condition - I forgot what chest pain was. Currently, nothing is bothering me; the doctor gave me a follow-up appointment only in six months.

Elena:

Throughout my life I have not been bothered by pain in the mammary gland, although sometimes I felt discomfort and tingling before menstruation. But last year I felt at first a slight and then increasing pain in my left chest, which I initially mistook for pain in my heart. Having turned to a therapist, I was examined, received a consultation with a cardiologist - nothing was discovered, they sent me to a gynecologist and mammologist. After undergoing tests for oncological markers and ultrasound of the mammary glands, I was sent to the regional oncology clinic in Chelyabinsk. After a biopsy and additional studies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer (a tumor 3 cm in diameter, with unclear boundaries). As a result, six months ago I had one mammary gland taken away, which was affected by oncology, I underwent chemotherapy courses and radiation therapy. I am currently undergoing treatment, but the latest examination did not reveal any new cancer cells, which is already a victory.

Natalia:

I have been married for two years, there have been no abortions, no children yet. About a year ago I had gynecological disease– salpingitis with pyosalpinx. The treatment was taken in a hospital, conservatively. A month after treatment, I began to experience pain symptoms in my left breast. The pain was dull, aching, with a return to axillary area. The gynecologist did not find anything, but referred me to a mammologist. I had an ultrasound, no pathology was detected in the mammary gland, but pain occurred periodically. I was diagnosed with intercostal neuralgia. I took treatment: Mastodinon, Milgama, Nimesil, Gordius. The pain has become much weaker - sometimes I feel tension in my chest a week before my period, but this goes away quickly. The doctor advised me to go swimming, do exercises, and exercise therapy.

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