What other symptoms might occur with breast tenderness?
Breast tenderness may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the breast may also involve other body systems.
Breast symptoms that may occur along with breast tenderness
Breast tenderness may accompany other symptoms affecting the breast including:
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Breast lump
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Change in the look and feel of the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering
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Change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
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Nipple discharge or tenderness
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Redness, warmth or swelling
Lower reproductive tract symptoms that may occur along with breast tenderness
Breast tenderness may accompany other symptoms affecting the lower reproductive tract including:
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Abdominal pain or cramping in cases of ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening pregnancy growing outside the uterus)
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Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
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Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain during the menstrual cycle
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Cramping before or during the menstrual cycle
Other symptoms that may occur along with breast tenderness
Breast tenderness may accompany symptoms related to other body systems, such as the immune system or digestive system including:
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Fever
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Nausea with or without vomiting related to either premenstrual pain or possible early or ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening pregnancy growing outside the uterus)
Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition
In some cases, if the breast becomes inflamed, breast tenderness can indicate a more serious condition that should be evaluated immediately. For example, breast abscess can be a complication of mastitis, and left untreated can lead to spread of the infection. If the infection spreads into the bloodstream (sepsis, a life-threatening bacterial blood infection), it can lead to organ failure. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have painful, inflamed breasts that have developed into any of these more serious symptoms of sepsis including:
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Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
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Difficulty breathing
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Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
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Significant decrease in urine output
INTRODUCTION
What is breast tenderness?
Tenderness in the breast can occur as a result of both normal changes and disease processes. Breast tenderness may worsen with pressure (sometimes with very little pressure) or may not be affected by pressure at all, depending on the cause. It may also be associated with breast swelling....
Read more about breast tenderness introduction
CAUSES
What causes breast tenderness?
Breast tenderness is often a result of the natural menstrual cycle, as estrogen gradually peaks just before mid-cycle, causing the breast ducts to enlarge. In addition, progesterone levels peak near day 21 in a 28-day cycle, causing growth in the milk glands. Both contribute to normal premenstrual swelling and tenderness, which is experienced to some degree by most women. These same hormonal changes can cause tenderness in early pregnancy as well....
Read more about breast tenderness causes
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