Mastodynia

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| ICD9 = | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = | eMedicineTopic = | MeshID = Mastodynia, mastalgia or mammalgia are names for a medical symptom that means - pain in the breast (from the Greek masto-, breast and algos, pain).Mastalgia is usually a benign disorder in young women due to hormonal imbalance during their menstrual cycle. During a menstrual cycle the breasts swell and become lumpy and tender. During a period, the breasts reabsorb the extra fluid inside instead of discharging it, causing breast pain. A breast exam and a breast ultrasound should be performed to make sure nothing is hidden.

Types

It can be subdivided into 2 main clinical patterns:
    # cyclical when the pain is worse prior to each menstrual cycle #
  1. This may occur with a woman's natural menstrual cycles and is not due to any hormone or breast disease.
    2. #
  2. It may be caused by use of hormonal contraception
#non-cyclical when the pain is unrelated to periods. #
  • It may be related to the underlying muscle
    • #
  • Trauma and resulting haematoma
    • #
  • Infection is sometimes responsible, particularly during times of breast feeding.
    • #
  • Breast engorgement during breast feeding (mastitis)
    • #
  • Arthritis pain in the chest or neck felt as if it is coming from the breast.

    • Associations

    Breast cancer is, in 19 out of 20 cases, not normally painful in the early stages. New onset of a painless lump should therefore be promptly assessed.

    Causes

  • caffeine - contains a chemical called (methylxanthine) that causes blood vessels to dilate
  • salt - increases swelling by causing fluid retention

    • Treatments (non-medical)

  • evening primrose oil, natural herbal pills taken once a day for 3-4 months
  • vitamin E
  • vitamin B
  • any over-the-counter pain-reliever


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