clinical assessment

Last reviewed 03/2021

  • Assess the patient fully to exclude any non-breast pathology. Exclude clinically the presence of any mass lesion and reassure the patient that there is no sinister cause for her pain.

  • The effect of the pain on the patient's life should then be assessed as it may interfere with work, exercise and relationships with partners or children.

  • It is also helpful when considering treatment to ask the patient to complete a pain chart for at least two menstrual cycles as this would allow the pattern and duration of the pain to be quantified.

  • Treatment should be considered when there is a history of pain for at least six months and pain charts show that pain is present for more than seven days per cycle

Reference:

  • Santen RJ, Mansel R. Benign breast disorders. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jul 21;353(3):275-85
  • Mansel RE. Breast Pain BMJ ;309:866-868.