Symptom | Causes | Comments |
---|---|---|
Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, or use of hormonal medications Cysts Breast Cysts Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the breast. (See also Overview of Breast Disorders and Breast Lumps.) Breast cysts are common. In some women, cysts develop frequently, sometimes... read more Fibrocystic changes Fibrocystic Changes of the Breast Fibrocystic changes of the breast (formerly called fibrocystic breast disease) include breast pain, cysts, and lumpiness that are not due to cancer. (See also Overview of Breast Disorders and... read more Breast infections Breast Abscess Breast infections are usually caused by bacteria. Rarely, breast infections lead to a breast abscess (a collection of pus in the breast). Mastitis refers to painful inflammation of the breast... read more * Large breasts that stretch supporting tissues Very rarely, breast cancer Breast Cancer Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast become abnormal and divide into more cells uncontrollably. Breast cancer usually starts in the glands that produce milk (lobules) or the tubes ... read more (breast cancer does not usually cause pain) | Pain that occurs throughout both breasts is usually caused by hormonal changes related to menstrual periods. | |
Fibrocystic changes Cysts Fibroadenomas Fibroadenomas of the Breast Fibroadenomas of the breast are small, smooth, solid, rounded noncancerous lumps composed of fibrous and glandular tissue. (See also Overview of Breast Disorders and Breast Lumps.) Fibroadenomas... read more Galactocele (a clogged milk duct) Breast infections, including abscesses* Scar tissue that develops after an injury Breast cancer | Lumps in the breasts are relatively common and are usually not cancerous. Because cancerous and noncancerous lumps are hard to distinguish when a doctor does a breast examination, additional tests are usually done. | |
Most commonly, noncancerous milk duct tumors (intraductal papilloma) Fibrocystic changes Breast cancer Breast infections, including abscesses* Other disorders, such as pituitary, brain, or thyroid disorders) Certain medications (see table Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge ) | A nipple discharge occurs normally sometimes—for example, during milk production after childbirth. Bloody discharge or discharge from only one breast are the most likely to be signs of breast cancer. Abnormal discharges vary in appearance depending on the cause. | |
* Breast infections are very rare except during the first few weeks after childbirth. |