Relieving breast pains

DEAR READERS,

J.S. from Port Maria, St. Mary, has been having terrible pains in her left breast. At times she finds the pain unbearable. She has seen several doctors who all say that there is nothing wrong with her. J.S. asks: "But if nothing is wrong why am I having this terrible pain?"

The pain is sometimes associated with vomiting and swelling of the feet. She has done three mammograms which all show nothing except for dense breast tissues. J.S. asks: "What does having dense breast tissues mean?" She cannot bear the breast pain anymore and asks for help before it is too late.

J.S. should be reassured that despite the severe pain and discomfort which she has experienced in the past and continues to experience, her breast disorder does not threaten her life.

Fibroadenosis is a painful condition of the breast commonly found in young women which is characterised by remissions and exacerbations of pain.

The condition actually represents an abnormal and pronounced expression of physiological changes which normally occur in the breast. Fibroadenosis is the result of three main processes occurring in the breast.

(a) Adenosis - which refers to an increase in the number of normal ducts in the breasts.

(b) Epitheosis - where there is an increase in the number of cells lining the ducts in the breast.

(c) Fibrosis - which refers to an increase in fibrous tissue in the breasts.

These three processes are usually present in the breast in various combinations.

Here, the breasts are tender, painful and slightly nodular although there is an absence of a dominant mass which can be differentiated from the regular tissues, although, breast tenderness many be experienced throughout the monthly periods. This condition is worsened if the woman suffers with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) which can be associated with weight gain, water retention, breast tenderness, headache, nausea and vomiting, depression and numerous other symptoms.

Basic recommendations to relieve pain include the wearing of well-fitted brassieres at all times and the application of heat to the painful area of the breasts.

The use of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDS) such as Voltaren, Feldene, Ponstron and Naprosyn, often helps with pain relief.

Use of dieretics during the pre-menstrual phase may be useful. Caffeine withdrawal by reduction of intake of tea, coffee, cola drinks and chocolate, may be helpful.

The use of oral Vitamin E has also been reported to be of some benefit in achieving relief of pain and other symptoms.

Intractable pain and tenderness at times requires temporary suppression of ovarian function by the administration of a synthetic androgen such as Danazol.

Use of the oral contraceptive pill also causes suppression of ovarian function and helps with relief of breast pain in some women.

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