They occur most often in women 35-50 years of age. The cysts often enlarge and become tender just before a woman's menstrual period. Cysts are usually handled by observation or by withdrawing fluid with a small needle. Fibroadenomas - benign masses of tissue that do not contain fluid. Cancer - when cells grow without control or order.
Breast pain is very common in premenopausal women.
The pain can be shooting to the nipple, burning, itching, or aching. One breast may hurt more than the other. Usually it starts two weeks after menstruation and gets worse until the beginning of your period. It gets better for two weeks, then the cycle starts over. Breast pain is more common in women in their 30s and 40s, and lessens after menopause.