Most women experience breast pain at some point in their lives. It is typically associated with hormonal changes, such as those caused by menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast pain is generally divided into three main categories: cyclical, noncyclical and non-breast-origin pain.

• Cyclical. Cyclical breast pain is by far the most common form of breast pain. It is frequently characterized by tenderness and pain right before, and sometimes during, menstruation. At times, a woman’s menstrual cycle can lead to the development of lumps. However, these may be merely an accumulation of excess fluid in the breast tissue and normally disappear by the end of menstruation. Cyclical pain often involves pain in both breasts, especially in the upper outer areas of the breast, including the underarm area.
  
  
• Noncyclical. Noncyclical breast pain is unrelated to a woman’s menstrual period. This type of breast pain is more often found in women between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. Women who experience sudden sharp or stabbing pains that persist or are confined to one location in the breast should speak with their physician to determine the cause of the pain. Noncyclical pain can also be caused by pain from bones, joints or muscles that radiates to the breast. Noncyclical pain often involves pain in just one breast and usually emanates from the center of the breast. This type of breast pain can result from prior breast surgeries, benign (noncancerous) tumors (fibroadenomas) or cysts or even trauma to the breast. Also, women who consume moderate to large amounts of foods containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, chocolate) are more likely to experience noncyclical breast pain. Patients who consume large quantities of caffeine should inform their physician. Oftentimes, the underlying cause of noncyclical breast pain cannot be determined. 
  
  
• Non-breast-origin. Non-breast-origin pain is extremely rare. As its name implies, this type of pain occurs in the breast but does not originate from within the breast. Non-breast-origin pain often stems from a form of arthritis, known as costochondritis. When men develop costochondritis, the pain is similar to that of a heart attack. When women develop costochondritis, many mistakenly believe that they have developed breast cancer. It is important to note that breast pain rarely results in a diagnosis of breast cancer. Treatment for arthritic pain may provide relief from the pain of costochondritis. In addition to costochondritis, a pinched nerve in the neck also may cause a woman to feel pain in her breast. Often, this condition will resolve itself.

Patients experiencing any type of breast pain should notify their physician to determine the cause and rule out possible serious conditions, such as breast cancer.