Common Breast Symptoms
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Symptom |
Causes |
Comments |
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Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, or use of hormonal drugs Large breasts that stretch supporting tissues Very rarely, breast cancer |
Pain that occurs throughout both breasts is usually caused by hormonal changes related to menstrual periods. |
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Breast infections, including abscesses* Cysts Fibrocystic changes Galactocele (a clogged milk duct) Scar tissue that develops after an injury Breast cancer |
Lumps in the breasts are relatively common and are usually not cancerous. Because cancerous and noncancerous lumps are hard to distinguish during a physical examination, tests are usually done. |
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Most commonly, noncancerous milk duct tumors (intraductal papilloma) Breast cancer Breast infections, including abscesses* Fibrocystic changes Other disorders, such as pituitary, brain, or thyroid disorders) Certain drugs (see table Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge) |
A nipple discharge occurs normally sometimes—for example, during milk production after childbirth. Abnormal discharges vary in appearance depending on the cause. |
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* Breast infections are very rare except during the first few weeks after childbirth. |
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