Concerns - Breast Cancer

Pain in Breast

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Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, can be a distressing symptom for many individuals. While breast pain is often benign and related to hormonal fluctuations or benign breast conditions, it can sometimes indicate underlying health concerns. Recognising when to be concerned, understanding potential causes, and seeking appropriate care are essential for managing breast pain effectively. Birmingham Breast Group specialises in evaluating and addressing concerns related to breast pain, offering comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment options.

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About This Concern

Common causes of pain in the breast include:

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle can cause breast tissue to become swollen, tender, or painful. This cyclic breast pain, often referred to as cyclical mastalgia, typically occurs in the days leading up to menstruation and resolves once menstruation begins.

Benign Breast Conditions: Certain benign breast conditions, such as fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, or breast cysts, can cause breast pain or discomfort. These conditions involve changes in breast tissue density, structure, or composition and are typically non-cancerous.

Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding mothers may experience breast pain or discomfort, particularly in the early weeks postpartum. This can result from engorgement, blocked milk ducts, or nipple soreness and usually resolves with proper breastfeeding techniques and support.

Medications: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or antidepressants, can cause breast pain as a side effect. It’s essential to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with a healthcare provider if they coincide with starting a new medication.

Trauma or Injury: Trauma to the breast, such as a blow, fall, or sports injury, can cause pain, bruising, or swelling. While most injuries heal on their own with rest and supportive care, severe trauma may require medical evaluation.

While breast pain is often benign and related to normal hormonal fluctuations or benign breast conditions, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation if experiencing:

Persistent or Severe Pain: Pain that is persistent, severe, or worsening over time, especially if it affects daily activities or quality of life, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Unilateral Pain: Breast pain that occurs only in one breast or is localised to a specific area should be assessed to rule out underlying breast abnormalities, including breast cancer.

Accompanying Symptoms: Breast pain accompanied by other symptoms such as lumps, thickening, skin changes, nipple discharge, or fever warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Patients experiencing breast pain receive compassionate care and thorough evaluation at Birmingham Breast Group. This may include:

Clinical Assessment: A detailed clinical examination is performed to assess breast pain characteristics, including location, severity, duration, and associated symptoms. Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate underlying breast tissue and identify any abnormalities.

Biopsy and Pathology: If suspicious breast abnormalities are identified, a tissue biopsy may be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathology analysis can determine whether the changes are benign or indicative of breast cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.

Multidisciplinary Care: The expert team at Birmingham Breast Group collaborates closely to develop personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other interventions as necessary.

Patient Education and Support: Patients are provided with education, guidance, and emotional support throughout their breast health journey. They are empowered to make informed decisions about their care and are supported every step of the way.

Breast pain can be a concerning symptom, but timely evaluation and appropriate care are essential for managing symptoms effectively. At Birmingham Breast Group, patients can expect compassionate care, thorough evaluation, and personalised treatment options to address breast pain and ensure the best possible outcomes. By recognising when to be concerned, seeking timely medical attention, and partnering with expert healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps to protect and preserve their breast health.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
View More Reviews

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