Mastalgia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

History and Symptoms

Timing of pain
- Cyclic
  Associated with menstrual cycle, worst before the menses
  
  Tends to occur in younger women, usually resolves spontaneously
- Noncyclic
  Unrelated to menses or in post-menopausal patient
  
  Most common in women ages 40-50
  
  Can be due to underlying fibroadenoma or cyst
  
  May resolve with therapy of underlying lesion
Location of pain
- Cyclic pain tends to be bilateral, poorly localized, +/- radiation to arm/axilla
- Noncyclic tends to be unilateral, sharp, well localized
Menstrual irregularities
Medications
- Changes in medications may exacerbate mastalgia

References

History and Symptoms