A burning sensation in the breast can feel like tenderness, throbbing, or searing discomfort. This common symptom, medically termed mastalgia, often prompts concern. While alarming, it is frequently a benign experience. This article explores various reasons behind this sensation and when to seek medical advice.
Frequent Causes of Breast Burning
Hormonal fluctuations are a common reason for breast pain, including burning sensations. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can cause breast tissue to swell, leading to tenderness and discomfort. This cyclical pain often occurs before a period and subsides once menstruation begins. Pregnancy also involves significant hormonal shifts, causing breasts to become sore and sensitive. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to aching, tenderness, or a burning sensation.
Breastfeeding and lactation issues frequently contribute to breast burning. Mastitis, an inflammation that can progress to a bacterial infection, often causes continuous burning pain, especially while nursing. This condition can also present with flu-like symptoms, a warm, red, or swollen breast, and sometimes a hard lump. Engorgement, where breasts become overly full, and thrush, a yeast infection, can also lead to a burning or stinging sensation.
Fibrocystic breast changes, a common benign condition, involve lumpy or rope-like breast tissue that can cause generalized pain, tenderness, and a burning sensation. These changes are linked to hormonal shifts, with symptoms worsening before menstruation and subsiding after menopause. For individuals using hormone therapy after menopause, these symptoms may persist.
Muscle strain or injury in the chest area can also manifest as a burning sensation. Activities like heavy lifting or intense exercise can strain chest wall muscles, causing pain that radiates to the breast tissue. An ill-fitting bra or tight clothing can cause localized skin irritation and nerve compression, leading to a burning feeling due to constant friction or pressure.
Nerve pain, or neuropathy, results from irritation or damage to nerves, causing a burning sensation. This can stem from trauma, pressure, or medical conditions affecting nerves supplying the breast area. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn, can cause a burning sensation in the chest, often mistaken for breast pain, located behind the breastbone. Skin irritation or allergies, such as contact dermatitis, can also cause localized burning on the breast skin from exposure to irritants or allergens.
Signs to Seek Medical Advice
While many causes of breast burning are not serious, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. A persistent or worsening burning sensation, especially if it does not resolve with self-care, should prompt a consultation. The presence of a new lump or mass in the breast alongside burning indicates a need for medical attention.
Observe for changes in breast skin, such as redness, swelling, warmth, dimpling, puckering, or an “orange peel” texture. Nipple discharge, especially if bloody, clear, or unusual, should be evaluated, particularly if it comes from only one breast or occurs spontaneously.
If the burning sensation is accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms, this could point to an infection. If the burning pain interferes with daily activities, sleep, or causes significant distress, seeking medical advice can help identify the cause and manage discomfort.
Understanding Less Common Conditions
Beyond frequent causes, a burning sensation can indicate less common, more serious conditions. Severe infections, such as a breast abscess or cellulitis, can present with intense burning, redness, and swelling. A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that develops from an untreated breast infection.
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can affect the breast area. This condition causes a painful, burning, or tingling sensation that precedes a characteristic blistering rash on one side of the body.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that can manifest with a burning sensation. Unlike other breast cancers, IBC often does not present with a distinct lump but causes diffuse redness, swelling, warmth, and skin changes resembling an orange peel texture. Other rare neuropathic causes can also contribute to persistent burning sensations.