Breast pain or lump: Is it cancer? A sharp pain in your breast, possibly with some tenderness, may have you wondering if it could be something serious. A breast lump is often the first thing that women and even men notice that spurs a visit to their doctor.Although breast cancer generally shows no symptoms in the early stage, timely detection can turn a story of breast cancer into a survivor’s tale.Causes of pain and tenderness We often associate pain with something wrong, so when women feel tenderness or pain in their breast, they often assume it to be breast cancer. However, breast pain is rarely the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer. Several other factors can cause the pain.Clinically known as mastalgia, breast pain can also be caused by the following:the fluctuation of hormones caused by menstruationsome birth control pillssome infertility treatmentsa bra that doesn’t fitbreast cystslarge breasts, which may be accompanied by neck, shoulder, or back painstress Breast cancer signs and symptoms Although a lump in the breast is typically associated with breast cancer, much of the time such lumps aren’t cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, most are benign, or noncancerous.Common causes of benign breast lumps include:breast infectionfibrocystic breast disease (“lumpy breasts”)fibroadenoma (noncancerous tumor)fat necrosis (damaged tissue)With fat necrosis, the mass can’t be distinguished from a cancerous lump without a biopsy.Even though the majority of breast lumps are caused by less severe conditions, new, painless lumps are still the most common symptom of breast cancer. Early on, a woman may notice a change in her breast when she performs a monthly breast exam or minor abnormal pain that doesn’t seem to go away. Early signs of breast cancer include:changes in the shape of the nipplebreast pain that doesn’t go away after your next perioda new lump that doesn’t go away after your next periodnipple discharge from one breast that is clear, red, brown, or yellowunexplained redness, swelling, skin irritation, itchiness, or rash on the breastswelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the armA lump that is hard with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous.Later signs of breast cancer include:retraction, or inward turning of the nippleenlargement of one breastdimpling of the breast surfacean existing lump that gets biggeran “orange peel” texture to the skinvaginal painunintentional weight lossenlarged lymph nodes in the armpitvisible veins on the breastHaving one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Nipple discharge, for example, can also be caused by an infection. See your doctor for a complete evaluation if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.Breast examsWhen you visit your doctor with concerns about breast pain, tenderness, or a lump, there are common tests they might perform.Physical examinationYour doctor will examine your breasts and the skin on your breasts, as well as check for nipple problems and discharge. They may also feel your breasts and armpits to look for lumps. Jackie Smith Previous Article10 Awesome Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Sciatic Nerve Pain Fast Next ArticleDestroy Your Moles, Warts, Blackheads, Skin Tags And Age Spots Completely Naturally July 1, 2021