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Breast pain, including sharp shooting pain, is common and often goes away alone. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or pressing, a person should seek medical attention. Shooting pain in the breast is also not typically a sign of cancer, unless other symptoms accompany it. Breast pain impacts around 70% of all females at some point in their lives. People often describe breast pain as:

stabbing, shooting, or sharpburning, stinging, or achinga swelling or heavy sensationa pulling or tight sensation

Occasional or minor breast pain is very common, and is not usually a cause for concern. However, there are a few situations in which a person should seek medical help. If a person develops the following symptoms, they should immediately dial 911 (or the number for the nearest emergency department):

severe chest pain chest pressureuncomfortable squeezing or fullness in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a couple of moments, or that goes away but then comes backtrouble breathing, with or without chest discomfortdiscomfort or pain in the back, one or both arms, neck, jaw, or stomacha cold sweat, lightheadedness, or nausealoss of consciousness

It is also important for someone to speak with a doctor promptly if breast pain is severe, sudden, or does not improve on its own. Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer, However, if breast pain occurs alongside other unexplained or severe symptoms, it may be a sign of a serious condition.

lumps or bumps in the breast or surrounding lymph nodes inflammation of the breast, armpits, collarbone or around it changes in nipple appearance or structure, such as nipples that turn inward skin dimpling or the skin feeling thicker than normal and looking like an orange peel nipple discharge breast or nipple redness, flaking, thickening, or drynesschanges in how the breasts or nipples feel or look overall

Learn more about identifying breast cancer. In many cases, breast pain is related to hormonal changes. It can also occur due to infection, noncancerous growths or blockages, and injury. Some common causes of breast pain include:

What causes pricking pain in breast?

Causes – Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.

Is prickly sensation a symptom of breast cancer?

5. You feel a strange tickling sensation – How your breasts feel internally can be just as important as how they feel on the outside, says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN and author of She-ology, Some women report feeling a sensation almost like they’re being “tickled from the inside,” their breast feels like it’s “buzzing” or “prickly” inside, or like their breast milk is “letting down” (when they’re not breastfeeding), she says.

Why do I have pricking pain under my left breast?

8. During pregnancy – Soreness and pain experienced under the left breast during pregnancy are often caused by pressure from the top of the uterus as it grows, or if the baby is kicking or punching the expectant mother. The pain can be worse when leaning forward.

heartburn with stomach acid reflux the rib cage changing position to allow space for the baby in the abdomen

Some conditions can be treated at home with rest and OTC medication, but people should seek medical attention straight away if:

the chest is injuredthe pain under the left breast is unexpectedsymptoms of pain and tightness do not get better with restshortness of breath, feeling sick, or profuse sweating accompanies the pain

Pain under the left breast is often frightening to experience. As there are several organs in this area of the body, the earlier the cause of the pain can be diagnosed, the more likely that treatment and recovery will be successful. A heart attack is not the most common reason for pain under the left breast, but it is always better to have the symptoms checked out, especially if other symptoms of a heart attack are present.

What is sharp pain in left breast?

Pain under or in the left breast could have many possible causes, such as injury, infection, hormones, and lung problems. Sometimes left breast pain can be related to your heart, so it’s important to first rule this out before considering other causes.

Is cancer pain sharp or dull?

Cancer pain: Relief is possible – Learn about what causes cancer pain, how it’s treated, and what barriers might stand in the way of adequate cancer pain relief. By Mayo Clinic Staff Not everyone with cancer has cancer pain, but some do. If you have cancer that’s spread or recurred, your chance of having pain is higher.

Does breast cancer cause pins and needles?

Cancer can cause peripheral neuropathy in one area of the body if the tumour is growing close to a nerve and presses on it. Surgery may damage nerves and cause symptoms in the affected area. For example, breast cancer surgery may cause numbness or tingling and pain in the arm.

What is the symptom prickly feeling?

What is paresthesia? – Paresthesia refers to a burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body. The sensation, which happens without warning, is usually painless and described as tingling or numbness, skin crawling, or itching.

• Most people have experienced temporary paresthesia —also known as a feeling of “pins and needles” — at some time in their lives when they have sat with their legs crossed for too long or fallen asleep with an arm positioned under their head.
• It happens when sustained pressure is placed on a nerve.
• The feeling quickly goes away once the pressure is relieved.

Chronic paresthesia is often a symptom of an underlying neurological disease or traumatic nerve damage. Paresthesia can be caused by disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as: A tumor or vascular lesion pressed up against the brain or spinal cord can also cause paresthesia.

• Nerve entrapment syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can damage peripheral nerves and cause paresthesia accompanied by pain.
• Diagnosis is based on your medical history, physical examination, and laboratory as well as determining the underlying condition causing the paresthetic sensations.
• Your doctor may order additional tests depending on the suspected cause of the paresthesia.

Treatment for paresthesia depends on accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause. Learn About Clinical Trials Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

Why do I feel a needle in my left breast?

Overview Many women describe a tingling sensation in their breasts, especially around their periods, early in pregnancy, or if they are breastfeeding or taking drugs with hormones. The feeling, which can be in one breast or both, can resemble “pins and needles” on the skin or have burning characteristics.

a lump changes to breast skin, such as dimpling around the nipple nipple discharge discoloration on the breast

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, tender, swollen, or even tingly breasts and nipples are some of the earliest signs of pregnancy, occurring even before a period is missed, Breastfeeding moms also report tingling nipples.

Why do I feel a pinch on my left breast?

Breast pain, or mastalgia, is very common. Possible causes of breast pain include hormonal changes, an incorrect bra fit, and infections. Pain in the breast affects approximately two-thirds of females during their reproductive years, and it is one of the most frequent complaints of those aged 15–40 years.

• Breast pain is not commonly a symptom of breast cancer, but if a person has pain alongside other breast changes, such as a lump or discharge, they should speak with a doctor.
• Eep reading to learn more about some of the possible causes of breast pain and get tips on how to manage this symptom.
• Tender or swollen breasts are usually related to the hormonal changes that take place before a period.

This type of breast pain usually causes tenderness in both breasts, and it may extend to the armpit. When breast pain is related to the menstrual cycle, it is known as cyclic breast pain. Cyclic breast pain can be part of a set of symptoms that occur before a period, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or it may occur on its own.

mood swings acne headachesbloating diarrhea or constipation tiredness trouble sleeping

PMS is temporary, and it usually goes away several days after a period begins. In the meantime, people can treat the symptoms by taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, wearing a comfortable and supportive bra, and using gentle heat to soothe the pain.

1. Breast pain can also occur due to other hormonal changes, such as those that take place during pregnancy or in the first stage of menopause,
2. Learn why the breasts can be sore before a period,
3. Bras can cause breast pain if they are too tight or they contain an underwire that digs into the skin or breast tissue.

If a person gets cyclic breast pain, they may also find that at certain times in their menstrual cycle, their usual bras feel too small or are uncomfortable. People can get a bra fitting for free at many department stores to find the right size for them.

They may wish to purchase non-wired, supportive, and comfortable bras if they experience soreness before their period. Supportive bras can also help when exercising. According to a 2021 article, 60–70% of women report less breast pain when they wear a sports bra during exercise. Fibrocystic breast changes are harmless but potentially uncomfortable symptoms that cause the breasts to feel lumpy or otherwise different in texture due to hormonal fluctuations.

Fibrocystic breast disease is the most common type of noncancerous breast condition. The symptoms may include:

breasts that feel firmer or thicker than usualtendernesslumps or cystssensitive nipplesitchiness

The symptoms may get worse before a period, and they will usually stop after menopause. The treatment or management of fibrocystic breasts may involve :

taking OTC pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)applying cool or warm compresses when the breasts are more painfulavoiding a large intake of salt, caffeine, or fat in the dietstarting or stopping birth control pills

If fibrocystic breast changes may be related to a new contraceptive, it is important to speak with a doctor before making any changes to the dosage. Mastitis is the term for inflammation or swelling in the breasts. The usual cause is an infection. Although the condition most often affects those who are breastfeeding, it can occur in people who are not. The symptoms of mastitis include:

swelling, pain, and warmth in part of the breast fever headachesgeneral flu -like symptoms

The treatment for an infection is antibiotics, A person who is breastfeeding will also need to empty the breasts of milk. If an abscess is present, doctors will drain the pus surgically or remove it with a needle. Both surgery and radiation therapy for breast cancer can cause scar tissue formation. This can result in:

numbness or pain, if the scar tissue develops around nervesan increase in firmness or a rounder appearance of the breastformation of a lump if the scar forms around a surgical stitch

Treatment options include:

physical therapy, if the scar tissue causes pain, stiffness, and pressuresurgical removal of scar tissue, if it is very painfuluse of creams and ointments to lessen the appearance of scars, if a person finds them bothersome

Breast pain can originate from outside the breast, rather than within it. For example, sprains or injuries in the back, neck, or shoulder might cause pain that a person feels in the breast. A 2020 study notes that cervical root disorders, which people sometimes refer to as a pinched nerve, can cause breast pain.

These disorders involve damage to or inflammation of a nerve root in the neck. When people perceive pain in a broader area than the site where it originates, this is known as referred pain. The treatment relies on finding the underlying problem. For example, if a person with breast pain has a pinched nerve, physical therapy or spinal surgery for the pinched nerve may improve the breast pain.

Costochondritis is inflammation of the costal cartilage, which connects the ribs to the breastbone. The condition can cause sharp chest pain and tenderness, and it may have a gradual or sudden onset. The following factors may worsen the pain:

pressure on the chest, such as when wearing a seat beltphysical activitysitting or lying in particular positionsdeep breathing, sneezing, or coughing

Treatment may include:

avoiding activities that worsen the painapplying heat to the areataking one of the following medications:

Tylenol nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil aspirin, if older than 16 yearscorticosteroid injections, such as triamcinolone (Kenalog)

undergoing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a procedure that applies an electric current to an area to reduce pain

A range of conditions can cause pain in the wall of the chest. This pain can sometimes feel as though it is coming from the breast, even though it is not. The pain can vary in extent, ranging from one specific area to a wide area of the breast. A person may experience :

burning or sharp painpain that spreads down the armpain that occurs when someone applies pressure to the chest wallpain that worsens upon movement

Possible causes include:

bruisingfractured ribs gallstones angina autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis

The treatment will vary based on the cause, but it may involve pain management and avoiding movements that make the pain worse until the root cause has improved. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They are noncancerous, relatively soft, and more common in premenopausal females.

Some cysts do not produce symptoms, but others may cause pain and nipple discharge. Unless the cysts are particularly large or painful, they do not need treatment. If treatment is necessary, it involves draining the fluid out with a needle. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and begin growing uncontrollably.

Pain in the breast is not usually due to cancer, but this is a possible cause. Other symptoms may include :

a lump in the breastpain in any part of the breastany nipple discharge — bloody, clear, or otherwisedimpling or irritation of breast skinpulling in at the nipple or pain in the nippleflaky, inflamed skin in the nipple areathickening or swelling of part of the breastchange in the shape or size of the breast

Rarely, people can develop inflammatory breast cancer, which causes different symptoms. These include:

a painful, tender, or itchy breastpink, red, or purple discoloration that covers at least one-third of the breastswelling of the skin, making one breast look larger than the otherpitting of the skin, similar to that of orange peela retracted or inverted nipple

The treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and biologic therapy. People will often receive more than one of these treatments. Cyclic pain, which is related to the menstrual cycle, and noncyclic pain have some key differences.

The following table compares and contrasts the two types of pain: If a person has cyclic pain, but the pain is worse in one breast than the other, hormones may not be the only cause. It can help to keep a symptom diary to determine whether pain is cyclic. Alternatively, people can use apps that track menstruation and its associated symptoms to see whether there is a pattern.

In a symptom diary, it can be helpful to assign a numerical value to the pain intensity every day throughout one or more menstrual cycles. If the pain occurs or increases at the same times during each cycle, it may be cyclic. People can share this information with a doctor during an appointment.

wearing a supportive bra that fits welltaking OTC pain medicationslimiting the intake of chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinksapplying hot or cold compresses to the breastsgetting regular exerciseengaging in relaxation methods to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension

It is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before trying self-care techniques to ensure that they are appropriate. In certain circumstances, medical intervention may be necessary. There are multiple possible causes of breast pain, or mastalgia.

This symptom may be cyclic or noncyclic. If the pain is cyclic, it is related to the fluctuating hormones of the menstrual cycle. Noncyclic breast pain can be due to PMS, fibrocystic breast changes, injuries and sprains, or inflammation around the ribs. Sometimes, cysts or infections are responsible for this symptom.

Although breast cancer is not usually a cause of breast pain, anyone with this symptom should consult a doctor to rule out this condition.

Why do I have a sharp pain in my left breast that comes and goes while breastfeeding?

Mastitis – Mastitis (inflammation in the breast) happens when a blocked duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel painful and inflamed, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms. If you do not deal with the early signs of mastitis, it can turn into an infection and you’ll need to take antibiotics. Symptoms of mastitis include:

a breast that feels hot and tendera red patch of skin that’s painful to toucha general feeling of illness, as if you have flufeeling achy, tired and tearfula high temperature

If you think you’re developing a blocked duct or mastitis, try the following:

Carry on breastfeeding.Check your baby’s positioning and attachment. Ask your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist to watch a feed.Let your baby feed on the tender breast first.If the affected breast still feels full after a feed, or your baby cannot feed for some reason, express your milk by hand.Warmth can help the milk flow, so a warm flannel, or a warm bath or shower, can help.Get as much rest as you can. Go to bed if you can.Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you feel worse at any time, or if you’re no better within 12 to 24 hours. You may need antibiotics, which will be fine to take while breastfeeding. Stopping breastfeeding will make your symptoms worse, and may lead to a breast abscess.

What are Stage 4 breast cancer symptoms?

Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer – Metastatic breast cancer symptoms depend on where the cancer is discovered. Common locations and symptoms include:

Bone: Symptoms can include a severe new bone pain that gradually becomes constant. Bone metastases can also cause fractures. Brain: Signs can include headaches, nausea, facial numbness and changes in speech, vision or balance. Liver: Liver metastases rarely produce symptoms. When they occur, symptoms can include pain in the right side of the abdomen, weakness, poor appetite and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Lungs: Signs of lung metastases include lung pain, shortness of breath and persistent cough.

What hormone causes sharp breast pain?

Most women experience some form of breast pain at one time or another. Breast pain is typically easy to treat, but on rarer occasions it can be a sign of something more serious. Medical director of the Suburban Hospital Breast Center Pamela Wright, M.D,, discusses the most common causes of breast pain (mastalgia), their treatments and when to see a doctor:

1. Hormones are making your breasts sore. Hormonal fluctuations are the number one reason women have breast pain. Breasts become sore three to five days prior to the beginning of a menstrual period and stop hurting after it starts. This is due to a rise in estrogen and progesterone right before your period. These hormones cause your breasts to swell and can lead to tenderness. “It’s normal to have breast tenderness that comes and goes around the time of your period,” says Wright. “It’s nothing to worry about.” If you become pregnant, your breasts may remain sore during the first trimester as hormone production ramps up. Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy for many women. Steps you can take to minimize sore breasts include:
   • Eliminate caffeine
   • Eat a low-fat diet
   • Reduce salt intake
   • Avoid smoking
   • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
   • Ask your doctor if switching birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy medications may help
2. You have a breast injury. Like any part of your body, breasts can be injured. This can happen because of an accident, while playing sports or from breast surgery. You may feel a sharp, shooting pain at the time of injury. Tenderness can linger for a few days up to several weeks after trauma to the breast. See your doctor if the pain doesn’t improve or you notice any of these signs:
   • Severe swelling
   • A lump in the breast
   • Redness and warmth, which could indicate an infection
   • A bruise on your breast that doesn’t go away
3. Your breasts hurt due to an unsupportive bra. Without proper support, the ligaments that connect breasts to the chest wall can become overstretched and painful by the end of the day. The result is achy, sore breasts. This may be especially noticeable during exercise. Make sure your bra is the correct size and provides good support.
4. Breast pain is really coming from your chest wall. What feels like breast pain may actually be coming from your chest wall. This is the area of muscle, tissue and bone that surrounds and protects your heart and lungs. Common causes of chest wall pain include:
   • A pulled muscle
   • Inflammation around the ribs
   • Trauma to the chest wall (getting hit in the chest)
   • Bone fracture
5. Breastfeeding is causing breast tenderness. Breastfeeding can sometimes be the source of breast pain. Some of the things you can experience while nursing include:
   • Painful nipples from an improper latch (the way a baby latches on to suck)
   • Tingling sensation during letdown (when the milk starts to flow to the baby)
   • Nipple soreness due to being bitten or having dry, cracked skin or an infection

   If you have pain while breastfeeding, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant. They can help you troubleshoot the problem while maintaining your milk supply.

6. You have a breast infection. Breastfeeding women are most likely to get breast infections (mastitis), but they occasionally occur in other women, too. If you have a breast infection, you may have a fever and symptoms in one breast, including:
   • Pain
   • Redness
   • Swelling

   If you think you may have a breast infection, it’s important to see a doctor. Treatment typically includes antibiotics and pain relievers.

7. Breast pain could be a medication side effect. Some medications may cause breast pain as a side effect. Talk to your doctor about the medications you’re on and if this could be the case for you. Some drugs with this known side effect include:
   • Oxymethone, used to treat some forms of anemia
   • Chlorpromazine, used to treat various mental health conditions
   • Water pills (diuretics), drugs that increase urination and are used to treat kidney and heart disease and high blood pressure
   • Hormone therapies (birth control pills, hormone replacement or infertility treatments)
   • Digitalis, prescribed for heart failure
   • Methyldopa, used to treat high blood pressure
8. You have a painful breast cyst. If a tender lump suddenly appears in your breast, you may have a cyst, says Wright. “These fluid-filled lumps aren’t dangerous and often don’t need to be treated as they may resolve on their own. But it’s important to get any lump in your breast evaluated by a doctor.” To diagnose a cyst, your doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound or aspiration (drawing fluid from the lump). Draining fluid from the cyst is also a form of treatment. If the cyst isn’t bothersome, you may not need any treatment at all. Learn more about breast cysts and other noncancerous breast lumps,
9. You’re experiencing painful complications from breast implants. Some women have complications with breast implants, whether made of silicone or saline. One of the most common causes of pain after breast augmentation surgery is capsular contracture, when scar tissue forms too tightly around implants. Breast pain can also be an indication that one of your implants has ruptured. Talk to your doctor about any pain you’re having to determine if it could be related to the breast implants.
10. Breast pain can sometimes be a sign of breast cancer. It’s unusual for breast cancer to cause pain, says Wright, but not impossible. Inflammatory breast cancer often causes pain but it’s rare, accounting for 1% to 5% of breast cancer cases in the United States. Symptoms of this aggressive disease often come on suddenly and progress rapidly. Inflammatory breast cancer may cause the breast to become:
    • Red or discolored
    • Swollen or heavy
    • Painful

    Skin on the breast may also thicken or dimple. If you’re concerned about inflammatory breast cancer, see your doctor immediately.