“In July, 1-2 weeks before my period, I had pain in my left breast for the first time, which felt more swollen, and after 2-3 days it went away. The pain then returned in the August twice, about a week before and after the period, disappearing again after 2-3 days. I am 19 years old and I am a bit worried, in July I blamed the stress caused by the high school diploma and in the heat, if it comes back again I’ll go and do some investigation … what could it be? “
He answers Annamaria Molino, professor at the School of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Verona, former Director of the Complex Operating Unit of Medical Oncology and of the Breast Group at the Integrated University Hospital of Verona.
Dear Reader,
as you know in this column we cannot give clinical opinions, which would require a visit. In general, breast pain can be due to various causes: benign breast diseases, hormonal imbalances, but sometimes, rarely, tumors can also cause pain. The same can be said for the feeling of “swollen breasts” she describes if there are no signs of inflammation (redness, warmth). If these signs are present and there is a picture of mastitis, you must be seen immediately.
However, when breast symptoms occur, it is always advisable to be examined by a breast specialist at a multidisciplinary breast center (Breast Unit) who, after evaluating the entire history and personal situation, will decide whether it is advisable to perform an instrumental examination which, in the case of young people like her, it would be an ultrasound scan in the first instance.