Health
Fact-checked

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.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Causes of Swelling Breasts?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

One of the most common causes for swelling breasts, or mastitis, is infection. Other causes of swelling breasts may be hormonal changes. Women who are of menstruating age may notice some tenderness or swollen breasts during their monthly cycles. A breast abscess may also cause swelling breasts.

When an individual develops a breast infection, it may be caused by a bacteria known as staphylococcus, which commonly produces a skin infection called a staph infection. If present on the skin's surface, this bacteria may enter through an open wound or cut on the breast. Occasionally, small lumps or welts may appear as well.

Pressure on the breast tissue can also cause mastitis. This may be caused by wearing restrictive clothing, such as an extremely tight sweater or a poor- fitting bra. This is not as common, however, as an infection due to breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, a woman's breasts will swell noticeably.
During pregnancy, a woman's breasts will swell noticeably.

When a breastfeeding woman does not adequately empty the fluid or milk from her breasts after nursing, a blockage of the milk ducts may occur. This may lead to infection. This may also be caused by improper breastfeeding techniques, such as a lag between breast pumping. In some cases, the woman's nipples may become chafed, leading to tiny cracks through which bacteria enter.

Birth control pills can sometimes cause swelling of the breasts.
Birth control pills can sometimes cause swelling of the breasts.

Other causes of swelling breasts are hormonal changes. This may occur at various stages throughout a woman's life. Beginning at adolescence, girls may notice enlarged breasts, along with tenderness and breast ache. Menstruation may cause swelling breasts in some women, along with fluid retention. Many women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms may notice swelling breasts at various intervals.

Improper breastfeeding techniques can lead to the swelling of breasts if the milk duct is blocked.
Improper breastfeeding techniques can lead to the swelling of breasts if the milk duct is blocked.

A benign cyst may produce symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and swelling breasts. Any discharge or drainage from the breasts should be examined by a physician. If infection is present, the doctor may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics and possibly a topical cream.

Cancer is a more serious cause of swelling breasts. Breast cancer, which manifests as a lump or mass of tissue on the breast, can typically be diagnosed with a mammogram. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form that may produce significant redness, inflammation, and pain. Other forms of breast cancer may be difficult to detect without a mammogram.

A mammogram is similar to an x-ray. With a mammogram, however, the radiation is typically not as high as with an x-ray. Commonly, a breast mammogram will be evaluated by a radiologist for any abnormalities that could indicate breast cancer.

Some common causes of swollen breasts are typically overlooked. One common cause of swollen or enlarged breasts is pregnancy. Another cause is the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives.

Discussion Comments

literally45

My roommate is six months pregnant and she has already developed swollen breasts and is even getting some breastmilk. I didn't know it could happen so early. I thought it happened closer to delivery time.

The poor thing is suffering. She tells me her breasts ache a lot due to the swelling. She learned a strange remedy for it. She freezes cabbage leaves and then places them inside her bra. I find it odd but she says it helps.

SteamLouis

@discographer-- Are you receiving your yearly mammogram? How long has it been since the last one?

If you notice any changes in your breasts, you need to see a doctor right away. Make sure to check for lumps and report the swelling and any change in breast tissue texture to your doctor.

Menopause is a time when issues like cysts, fibroids and breast cancer can develop. Although young women can have breast cancer as well, I do believe that women in menopause have to be a little more careful.

My mother is in menopause too and she actually experiences some swelling and tenderness every month around the same time as though she is having her period. Her doctor said that this can occur even after a women's period has ended and found it normal. But my mom has her check-ups regularly as well. So she knows that there isn't anything else going on.

discographer

What are the most common causes of slightly swollen and tender breasts during menopause?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • During pregnancy, a woman's breasts will swell noticeably.
      By: igorborodin
      During pregnancy, a woman's breasts will swell noticeably.
    • Birth control pills can sometimes cause swelling of the breasts.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Birth control pills can sometimes cause swelling of the breasts.
    • Improper breastfeeding techniques can lead to the swelling of breasts if the milk duct is blocked.
      By: Claudio Divizia
      Improper breastfeeding techniques can lead to the swelling of breasts if the milk duct is blocked.
    • Breast cancer can be diagnosed with a mammogram.
      By: Monkey Business
      Breast cancer can be diagnosed with a mammogram.
    • Hormonal changes can cause the breast to swell.
      By: Arto
      Hormonal changes can cause the breast to swell.