Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

There are several reasons for sore and enlarged breasts. I would list out one after the other.

-use of oral contraceptives: introduction of new pills can cause changes in the breasts as the hormonal milieu is disturbed; this settles in course of time as the body adjusts to the new pill. If this does not happen, you have to report the matter to your doctor.

-fibrocystic breast disease: this is a benign breast condition observed in half of the women of the child-bearing age. The breast tissue undergoes changes due to shifts in the estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. The breasts are enlarged and sore. the symptoms are more pronounced in the upper outer quadrant and the underside of the breast. Sometimes cysts develop in the breast tissue. A cyst may be aspirated to know the cause.

Definite treatment may not be possible but dietary regulation by avoiding caffeine, fat and intake of nutritional supplements, evening primrose oil, and avoidance of smoking is found to be helpful. Pain relievers along with a firm well supported bra and application of heat can help relieve the symptoms. Danazol can be reserved for the worst cases.

Premenstrual changes and early pregnancy can be ruled out in your case as your symptoms have been persisting for the past two years.

-precancerous or early cancerous stages are the last and the least suspected; pain is a rare accompaniment and with such a long history there would definitely be more symptoms.

You should see a specialist- a surgeon or a gynecologist, have a physical examination and get investigated. It would be advisable to have a hormonal assay and a mammogram after excluding the presence of any pregnancy. This should clinch the diagnosis. Once this is done, management of the condition is easy.

Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact if you need further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

---