Breast pain- The underreported case

Breast pain is basically a pain in the breast region, the mammary organs in human beings. The event of breast pain is known as mastalgia. Mastalgia can be cyclical or non-cyclical. Cyclical events of mastalgia mean pain in the breasts that are related to hormonal changes in the body. Non-cyclical mastalgia is independent of menstrual cycles and can be due to various reasons, be it ill-fitted bras or muscular abnormalities and many other reasons as such. Cyclical mastalgia is more often to show regular patterns of occurrence.

The statistical reports for both the types can be quoted as: “Breast pain may be cyclical (worse before a period) or non-cyclical, originating from the breast or the chest wall, and occurs at some time in 70% of women. Cyclical breast pain resolves spontaneously in 20% to 30% of women, but tends to recur in 60% of women.” Breast pain is most common in women aged 30 to 50 years. Reports suggests that Breast pain, or mastalgia, affects up to 70%–80% of women during their lifetime. Mastalgia is very common in women mainly of the premenopausal age, rather than older ages of 60 or so.

Often and again breast pain is confused with being a symptom for breast cancer which further stigmatizes the women to come up and seek breast pain treatment. Mastalgia often has an impending effect on the quality of life of women. Studies have shown that over 40% report effects on sexual activity; 35% report effects on sleep; and 5% report effects on work activity. Mastalgia not only effects their lives in terms of physical impedance but as well as mental stress and anxiety.

There can be various for an occurrence of mastalgia. The most common reason is the hormonal change, which is termed as the cyclical mastalgia. It repeats its pattern with every menstrual cycle due to the induced level of progesterone in the body during the luteal phase. Water retention, that can occur during the monthly periods could possibly be another reason. Any pertaining injury to the breast could also lead to extensive breast pain. Mainly in premenopausal women, mastalgia is a common thing, yet again, the reason being hormonal imbalance. An ill-fitting bra could also be an underlying reason for recurring breast pain, which is why the proper fit of undergarments are often and again suggested by the experts.

The common ways by which mastalgia is often diagnosed is a mammogram, breast ultrasound or in severe cases, breast biopsy. Mammogram is nothing but, X-ray of breasts. The breasts are placed in a compressed condition to further counter the pain. This method might feel uncomfortable for some time but is normalized after a while. Breast ultrasound is the method wherein, ultrasound images are obtained to obtain sound wave images formed if countered by lumps. The third method of breast biopsy is usually the last method, that experts resort to. It consists of tissue removal through surgery and observing and studying them under the microscope.

Reports and studies show that breast pain is usually goes underreported. Added on to that, some of the best breast pain treatment in Delhi lacks the proper analysis and imaging that is essential. This, thus, extravagates the problem. “Management of breast pain depends on the underlying etiology and, generally, should be managed by the patient’s primary care provider. Therapies that are more advanced for treatment-resistant breast pain may require referral to a specialist. For some women, a clear etiology for their breast pain is evident (mass, cyst, infection, etc.), and management can be tailored to this diagnosis. However, for most women, the etiology of their breast pain is not clearly understood, which makes the treatment of most breast pain challenging (Journal of Breast Imaging).” There are rarely outlets and facilities provided as such. Some of the best breast pain treatment in Delhi NCR do not readily ensure the best of it. There is a dearth of medical practices and expertise that could guarantee proper redressal of breast pain. One needs to search for some of the best breast treatment in Delhi, and look out for the facilities as well as the medical expertise available. If you witness a consistent trend of breast pain look out for the best breast pain treatment in Delhi NCR and consult the doctor as promptly as possible.