At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are the Most Common Causes of Burning Breast Pain?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
There are many conditions that have the potential to cause burning breast pain. Among the most common are the hormone fluctuations that accompany a woman’s menstrual cycle and the presence of cysts and other non-cancerous growths in the breasts of women who are between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Sometimes, burning pain is the result of a temporary condition, such as a clogged milk duct or an infection of the breast. It may also develop as a sign that the affected person has breast cancer.
Some women may notice breast pain that develops in relation to their menstrual cycles. For example, a woman may have burning pain that develops right before she begins to menstruate each month or in the initial days of each cycle. Some women may also notice it around the time they ovulate. This type of breast pain is usually caused by fluctuations in hormone levels.
A woman may also have non-cyclic burning breast pain, which means the pain doesn’t seem to be connected to her menstrual cycle. This is most common in women who are at least 30 years old but not older than 50 years old. In some cases, the cause of the pain is difficult to identify. When it is identifiable, however, a cyst or other type of non-cancerous growth is often at fault.
Sometimes, burning pain develops because of a clogged milk duct. A woman who is breast feeding may notice a lump in her breast that is accompanied by redness in the area and a burning sensation. In many cases, the woman may note that the affected area of the breast is tender to the touch as well. Typically, clogged milk ducts are caused by milk that is not draining sufficiently. In some cases, a clogged duct that is left untreated eventually becomes a breast infection.
Breast cancer is among the possible causes of burning breast pain as well. Depending on the stage of cancer, the growth of cancerous cells may be restricted to the breast or include the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. If the cancer has spread to involve other parts of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Women who experience non-cyclic burning breast pain are commonly at least 30 years old but not older than 50 years old.]()
By: spotmatikphotoWomen who experience non-cyclic burning breast pain are commonly at least 30 years old but not older than 50 years old. -
![A clogged milk duct can cause burning breast pain.]()
By: KhorzhevskaA clogged milk duct can cause burning breast pain. -
![Some women may notice that breast pain develops in relation to their menstrual cycles.]()
By: 9nongSome women may notice that breast pain develops in relation to their menstrual cycles. -
![Burning breast pain may be due to breast cancer.]()
By: ArtoBurning breast pain may be due to breast cancer. -
![Breast cancer occurs more often than usual in some families due to their genetic make-up.]()
By: bst2012Breast cancer occurs more often than usual in some families due to their genetic make-up. -
![A breast with a lump may be tender to touch.]()
By: Marin ConicA breast with a lump may be tender to touch.
Discussion Comments
@ZipLine-- I agree that you should have this checked out. Do you feel any lumps in your breast?
Even if you don't, I think you should get a mammogram. There is a type of breast cancer that doesn't cause a tumor. I think it's called an inflammatory breast cancer.
Unless someone is pregnant or nursing, burning pain isn't normal.
@ZipLine-- You should see your doctor right away simply because if the breast pain cause is an infection, a cyst or a tumor, it needs to diagnosed and treated quickly.
If you find out after a check-up that there is nothing of the kind, then don't worry. I have the similar kind of pain and I'm also in menopause. My gynecologist, who is one of the best doctors I've ever had, told me that even after menopause, the breasts can become tender and painful during what was our menstruation time before.
The body sort of gets used to that routine and despite the fact that menstruation has stopped and hormones have changed, the physical symptoms of menstruation can continue. It sounds bizarre but it's true.
I used to have burning and pain in my breasts during my menstruation before I entered menopause. I have been in menopause for the past eight years, and sometimes I still get the same symptoms in my breasts. Should I be worried?
Post your comments