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Mastalgia; is this commonly associated with operable breast cancer?
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Breast pain rarely indicates early breast cancer, with only 1.5% of patients experiencing pain having an early diagnosis. However, localized breast pain requires thorough investigation to rule out cancer, especially if accompanied by nipple retraction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Breast Health
Background:
- Breast pain is a common symptom prompting patient referral to specialized clinics.
- The association between breast pain and early breast cancer diagnosis requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence of early breast cancer among patients presenting with breast pain.
- To determine the characteristics of painful breast cancers.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based analysis of 460 newly referred patients with breast pain at a specialized breast clinic.
- Review of diagnosed breast cancers within the study cohort.
Main Results:
- Only 1.5% of patients with breast pain were diagnosed with early breast cancer.
- Out of 44 breast cancers, 8 were painful; only 4 of these were considered early-stage.
- All early-stage painful breast cancers presented with nipple retraction.
Conclusions:
- While breast pain is infrequently linked to early breast cancer, it warrants comprehensive investigation.
- Localized breast pain, particularly with nipple retraction, necessitates a thorough diagnostic workup to exclude malignancy.