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Breast pain & uneven breasts

katy171119
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I have pain in my breasts when I put pressure on them but also pain around my chest wall for a few weeks now. I have been to the doctor’s twice and they have given me a thorough physical examination and said I have Costochondritis. They also said breast pain is rarely a symptom of anything more serious and also that I’m too young to have a mammogram (I’m 29). They also said a breast clinic wouldn’t be bothered by breast pain. 

However, I’m now worrying the one breast looks bigger than the other. I’ve always had one slightly bigger (I always notice when wearing a bra) but now can tell which one is bigger even without a bra on. I can’t decide if it’s always been like that or if it’s new, unfortunately. My anxiety is making me examine myself a lot more frequently so potentially am actively looking for worrying symptoms. Is this something I should be worried about?? The doctor’s just don’t seem very worried and seem almost reluctant to do anything further, just saying I have this Costochondritis…

  • Hello katy171119

    Thank you for the post. I am sorry to hear you have ongoing breast pain and appreciate how debilitating this can be.

    Whilst it can be a worry breast pain is pretty common and on it's own isn't usually the result of anything serious like cancer.

    If the doctor was concerned or they could notice another change to your breast other than the pain, they probably would refer you to the breast clinic but as there isn't they have decided not to for now. However if you remain concerned and unsure about whether the size has changed ( most women do have one breast bigger than the other) do go back and see them again.

    There is information about breast pain here, and there is good evidence that breast pain on it's own isn't a symptom of breast cancer. 

    I hope this is helpful and that the pain settles for you soon

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Thank you for your reply!

    I understand that a lot of women have one breast bigger than the other. Does it have to be considerably bigger than the other? I can notice it but don’t know if that’s just cause I’m looking for it! The doctor didn’t say anything about one being bigger… does this mean she probably doesn’t think it’s anything to worry about?

  • in reply to katy171119

    Hello again

    I think it may be a good idea to go back and ask to speak with another GP to get their opinion. No one here can assess you or say if this is anything to worry about.

    This seems to be playing on your mind quite a lot so I think someone else taking a look to put your mind at ease or to consider referring you to the breast clinic is the best way forward.

    Take care

    Naomi

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