Why do I have a breast lump with pain, and how to treat it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old female. I have had pain in my lower left breast area since last year. I checked and found a rubbery, movable lump there, and the lower breast pain it caused also radiates to the back side of my body, exactly at the place that hurts from the front.

I also felt pain in my left shoulder, neck area, and arm, but the pain only occurs when I move or do some kind of work, not in a resting position.

I went to a doctor and was suggested evening Primrose oil supplements. I took it, but the pain did not go away. Now I feel pain in the areas of my body that I listed above whenever I move more. So I need a suggestion.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thanks for describing your symptoms so well. A breast lump, which is movable and rubbery, and painful on movement, is usually benign but nevertheless requires proper evaluation. What you describe sounds most like a fibroadenoma.

This is a common non-cancerous breast lump in young women (especially ages 15 to 35). Typical features include a rubbery or firm lump, smooth and movable under the skin, which can cause breast discomfort or tenderness and is usually not dangerous.

Doctors may also consider fibrocystic breast changes. Hormonal changes can cause lumps and breast pain that may radiate.

They may also consider costochondritis, which is inflammation of the joints of the chest wall that can cause pain in the breast area that radiates to the back, shoulder, or arm and worsens with movement. Another possibility is a breast cyst. This is a fluid-filled lump that can feel movable and tender.

The pain increases with movement or activity (muscle or chest wall pain) and is not a serious breast problem. Pain radiating to the shoulder, neck, and back also supports the musculoskeletal cause.

Since the lump has been there for about a year, it is important to get proper tests. This includes a breast ultrasound (the best test for women under 30), a clinical breast exam by a doctor (ideally a gynecologist or breast specialist), and if needed, a fine-needle biopsy to determine what type of lump it is.

Some things that may help you with the pain:
Wear a good support bra.
Do not lift anything heavy or strain your chest.
Apply warm compresses.
If it is safe for you, take a painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

Call a doctor or get emergency help right away if:

The lump grows fast.
Skin changes appear (redness, dimpling).
Nipple discharge.
Persistent unexplained weight loss.

Your weight (89.9 pounds at 5 feet 3 inches) is quite low, which can sometimes affect hormones and breast tissue sensitivity. Your doctor may also check your nutrition and hormonal health.

Most likely a fibroadenoma or inflammation of the chest wall. You should have a breast ultrasound to determine the cause of the lump as it has been present for a year.

I hope my answer was satisfactory. You can consult me further at iCliniq.