Can Breast Cancer Be Painful?
Over the years I’ve treated a number of patients with breast cancer. Many of them have had breast pain and asked “Can breast cancer be painful?” The reason for their question is that there is a common conception that breast cancer or breast lumps are not painful.
While, Breast cancer is not typically associated with pain in its early stages, in some cases, pain can be a symptom. While many people believe that cancerous lumps are painless, this is not always true. Some women experience discomfort or tenderness in the breast due to the tumor itself or its effects on surrounding tissues.
Pain from breast cancer can vary based on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Tumors that press against nerves or grow near sensitive areas may cause aching, burning, or sharp pain. Additionally, inflammatory breast cancer—a rare but aggressive form—often causes pain, redness, and swelling in the breast.
Can a Breast Cancer Lump Be Painful?
Most breast cancer lumps are painless, but some can cause discomfort. Painful lumps may result from rapid tumor growth, inflammation, or involvement of nearby nerves. Some benign breast conditions, such as cysts or fibroadenomas, can also cause pain, leading to confusion between non-cancerous and cancerous lumps.
Because a lump’s pain level does not determine whether it is cancerous, it is essential to seek medical evaluation for any new, persistent, or unusual breast changes. A thorough examination, imaging tests, and a biopsy may be necessary to determine the nature of the lump.
Cyclical vs. Continuous Breast Pain
Breast pain can sometimes be due to hormonal fluctuations rather than cancer. Cyclical breast pain is linked to the menstrual cycle and often occurs in both breasts, especially before menstruation. This type of pain is typically dull, achy, and resolves once hormone levels stabilize. Continuous breast pain, however, does not fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and may be a sign of an underlying issue, including breast cancer. If breast pain is persistent, localized, or associated with other symptoms like a lump or skin changes, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How Breast Cancer Causes Pain
Breast cancer can cause pain directly by:
- Tumor Growth: As a tumor expands, it can stretch or press against surrounding tissues, leading to pain.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This aggressive type leads to swelling, tenderness, and a burning sensation.
- Metastatic Cancer: If breast cancer spreads to the bones, liver, or nerves, it can cause significant pain in those areas.
- Lymphedema: Cancer-related lymph node involvement can lead to fluid buildup, resulting in swelling and discomfort in the arm or chest.
Pain from Breast Cancer Treatments
Pain may also arise as a side effect of cancer treatments. While these treatments aim to eliminate cancer, they can impact the body in ways that cause discomfort. Common sources of treatment-related pain include:
Surgery-Related Pain
- Mastectomy or lumpectomy can lead to post-surgical pain, tightness, or nerve damage.
- Phantom breast pain may occur after breast removal, causing tingling or burning sensations.
Radiation Therapy
- Radiation can lead to skin irritation, burning sensations, and tissue stiffness.
- Some patients develop radiation fibrosis, causing long-term discomfort and tightness in the treated area.
Chemotherapy-Induced Pain
- Neuropathy (nerve pain) is a common side effect, causing tingling, burning, or shooting pain in the hands and feet.
- Muscle and joint pain can occur as a reaction to chemotherapy drugs.
Hormone Therapy
- Medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors can lead to joint stiffness, muscle pain, or bone pain.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
- These treatments can cause inflammatory responses, leading to flu-like symptoms and muscle pain.
- Some patients experience chronic fatigue and generalized pain.
Cancer Pain Treatment Options
Pain from breast cancer and its treatments can be managed with various approaches. A combination of therapies is often the most effective way to relieve discomfort and improve quality of life.
Medications
- Non-opioid pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen) can help with mild pain.
- Opioids may be necessary for severe pain but are used cautiously.
- Nerve pain medications like gabapentin or pregabalin can help with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Post-surgical rehabilitation can reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
- Lymphedema therapy helps manage swelling and discomfort.
Interventional Pain Management
- Nerve Blocks: These injections help relieve localized pain by numbing specific nerves.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: A device implanted near the spine sends electrical impulses to disrupt pain signals.
- Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty: These minimally invasive procedures help stabilize and relieve pain from bone metastases.
- Tumor Ablation: Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation can be used to destroy painful bone metastases. These procedures target tumors with heat or extreme cold, reducing pain and improving function. Tumor ablation is particularly beneficial for patients with limited treatment options or those seeking to minimize opioid use.
Alternative Therapies
- Acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques can complement medical treatments.
- Yoga and meditation can help reduce stress-related pain.
Psychological Support
- Pain can be worsened by stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Support groups, counseling, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve coping mechanisms.
Seeking Help for Breast Cancer Pain
If you are experiencing pain from breast cancer or its treatments, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we specialize in cancer pain treatment and work closely with oncologists to create personalized pain management plans. Our goal is to help you maintain comfort and quality of life throughout your treatment journey.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To explore effective pain relief options, contact Red Butte Pain Solutions at 602-633-4334 or Schedule Now.