UNC Health CareLink My Chart Search Menu You are here: Home Care & Treatment Women's Health Breast Health In this Section What Causes Breast Pain? Breast pain is any discomfort, tenderness, or pain in the breast or underarm region, and it may occur for a number of reasons. Although many women with pain in one or both breasts may be concerned that it is breast cancer, breast pain is NOT commonly a symptom of cancer. There are a number of harmless causes for breast pain and tenderness that may primarily be related to changes in hormone levels. These can include: Puberty in girls and sometimes for boys, too Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Pregnancy - more often during the first trimester Days following childbirth as milk comes in Breastfeeding Mastitis Menopause Some women have lumpy breast tissue called fibrocystic breasts, which may be more painful during certain times of the month. Fibrocystic breasts are not necessarily linked to cancer, and the lumps are fluid filled cysts rather than a mass of cells. Fibrocystic breast changes are also a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period. If you experience pain along with any of the following symptoms, you should contact your physician: Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple A new lump with the onset of the pain; lump does not go away after your menstrual period Persistent, unexplained breast pain Signs of a breast infection, including local redness, pus, or fever Learn more about breast pain New Technology and Innovations in Breast Health Pardee UNC Health Care invests in new technology that offers advances in comfort and accuracy from mammogram to breast cancer care. There are a number of reasons people put off a mammogram screening -- you have a busy schedule, the exam could be painful, or you don’t think you’re at risk for breast cancer. However, getting an annual mammogram at the right time can save your life. The mammogram is currently the best screening tool for breast cancer and early detection. And with new technology, mammograms are more comfortable and accurate than ever. 3D Mammography 3D Biopsy SmartCurve System Automated Breast Ultrasound System Breast Seed Localization Active Breathing Control Lymphedema Therapy Treating Left Sided Breast Cancer Dr. Jennifer McAlister Fellowship Trained Breast Surgeon Click here to listen to Dr. McAlister’s interview with WTZQ Radio, where she discusses breast health and her philosophy on patient care. Related Locations Elizabeth Reilly Breast Center 828-696-1300 807 North Justice Street Hendersonville, NC 28791 Pardee Breast Surgery 828-694-8438 805 Sixth Ave. W. Suite 100 Hendersonville, NC 28739 Contact Us About Us News & Media Support Pardee Hospital Careers Pardee Hospital 800 North Justice Street Hendersonville, NC 28791 Phone (828) 696-1000 | info@pardeehospital.org Pardee Hospital Citrix Login UNC Health Care Citrix Login Health Library Notice of Privacy Practices [PDF] Aviso de Practicas Privadas [PDF] Nondiscrimination Notice [PDF] Aviso de no Discrimiacion [PDF] Disclaimer Copyright 2021 UNC Health. All rights reserved.