Post Treatment Mastalgia is a Common Complaint but not an Indication of Recurrence or Second Primary Breast Cancer

Post-treatment mastalgia is a common complaint in up to 68% of patients after treatment. This symptom is worrisome to patients as many believe it is a sign of recurrence. The current study was performed to evaluate if post-treatment mastalgia is associated with a second breast cancer diagnosis.

Patients included were seen from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020. All patients who were treated for breast cancer and then presented with breast pain during follow up were considered to have post-treatment mastalgia. All patients who were diagnosed with a second breast cancer but did not experience post-treatment mastalagia were also evaluated.

1799 patients had a mean age 52.9 years. 36% of patients experienced post-treatment mastalgia. Of patients who complained of post-treatment mastalgia, 19 were diagnosed with a chest wall recurrence (CW), ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), or contralateral breast cancer (CBC). 17 of the 19 patients had breast pain after the second diagnosis and treatment were completed. The average duration between their second diagnosis and initial complaint of breast pain was 6.2 years. The two patients who complained of breast pain prior to their second diagnosis did not have mastalgia at the time of their second diagnosis. Local recurrence or contralateral breast cancer were more common in patients without post treatment mastalgia (10.1% vs 0.3%, p < 0.0001) during follow up.

Post treatment mastalgia is not associated with recurrence. Interval or repeat imaging does not appear necessary and instead patient education and reassurance are important in its management.