We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Causes of Burning Breast Pain?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 19,710
Share

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By candyquilt — On May 02, 2013

@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.

By donasmrs — On May 01, 2013

@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.

By ZipLine — On May 01, 2013

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?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-causes-of-burning-breast-pain.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.