Post Treatment Mastalgia is a Common Complaint but not an Indication of Recurrence or Second Primary Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Post-treatment mastalgia is a common complaint in up to 68% of patients after treatment. This symptom is worrisome to patients as many believe it is a sign of recurrence. The current study was performed to evaluate if post-treatment mastalgia is associated with a second breast cancer diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients included were seen from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020. All patients who were treated for breast cancer and then presented with breast pain during follow up were considered to have post-treatment mastalgia. All patients who were diagnosed with a second breast cancer but did not experience post-treatment mastalagia were also evaluated. RESULTS: 1799 patients had a mean age 52.9 years. 36% of patients experienced post-treatment mastalgia. Of patients who complained of post-treatment mastalgia, 19 were diagnosed with a chest wall recurrence (CW), ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), or contralateral breast cancer (CBC). 17 of the 19 patients had breast pain after the second diagnosis and treatment were completed. The average duration between their second diagnosis and initial complaint of breast pain was 6.2 years. The two patients who complained of breast pain prior to their second diagnosis did not have mastalgia at the time of their second diagnosis. Local recurrence or contralateral breast cancer were more common in patients without post treatment mastalgia (10.1% vs 0.3%, p < 0.0001) during follow up. CONCLUSION: Post treatment mastalgia is not associated with recurrence. Interval or repeat imaging does not appear necessary and instead patient education and reassurance are important in its management.

Management of Mastalgia.

Breast pain is a common symptom in most women during their lifetime, and many times is self-limited. Mastalgia is categorized into 3 main groups: cyclic, noncyclic and extramammary. A good history, examination and targeted imaging can help to delineate the underlying cause of mastalgia and therefore guide treatment options. Diet, medications, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and an ill-fitting bra can be contributing factors for physiologic causes of mastalgia. Breast cancer is rarely a cause but should be excluded. Reassurance, support, dietary changes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and occasionally hormonal medications are options to help with improving breast pain.

[Mastalgia : management and state of the art]. / Mastodynies : prise en charge et connaissances actuelles.

This article tries to facilitate the management of mastalgia. During their lifetime most women will experience breast pain. Many of them will visit a physician for this purpose, often led by the fear of cancer. However, in the absence of other clinical signs such as a lump or nipple discharge, the risk of malignancy remains low. In addition to the patient's medical history and physical examination, an imaging may be necessary. The absence of clinical or radiological abnormalities suffices to reassure patients in most cases. The management of mastalgia is based mainly on diet and life-style changes, the use of a well-suited bra and topical anti-inflammatory medication. In the case of mastalgia not responding to first line treatments, the patient should be referred to a breast-care unit.

Cet article cherche à faciliter la prise en charge des mastodynies. Au cours de leur vie, la majorité des femmes présenteront des mastodynies. Nombreuses sont celles qui consulteront leur médecin à cet égard, souvent par crainte d'un cancer. Cependant, en l'absence d'autres signes cliniques comme une masse ou un écoulement mamelonnaire, le risque de malignité reste faible. Outre l'anamnèse et l'examen clinique, une imagerie peut s'avérer nécessaire. L'absence d'anomalies cliniques ou radiologiques permet de rassurer les patientes dans la majorité des cas. Le traitement reposera essentiellement sur des mesures hygiéno-diététiques, le port d'un soutien-gorge adapté et l'utilisation d'anti-inflammatoires topiques. En cas de mastodynies invalidantes et réfractaires aux anti-inflammatoires, la patiente devra être adressée pour un suivi spécialisé.

Benign breast disorders in female / Trastornos benignos de la mama en las mujeres

Background: The breast is affected by a variety of benign disorders with a wide range of imaging and histopathological characteristics. Epidemiological investigations indicate that more than 50% of women will have one of the benign breast disorders beyond the age of 20 years.Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate females with benign breast disorders attending the breast clinic in Duhok city by the triple assessment method.Patients and methods: This is a prospective study conducted in Duhok Breast Clinic at Azadi Teaching Hospital from May 2017 to July 2018 which included 445 female patients with benign breast diseases. The patients were assessed by the triple assessment method (clinical examination, imaging and histopathological evaluation), females from all age groups were included. Patients with malignant disease and male patients were excluded from the study.Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.65 years; breast pain was reported in 403 patients 73 patients presented with breast lump or lumps, 42 patients presented with nipple discharge, 36 patients were presented with nipple retraction.From these the total number of the patients 55 of them were reassured and no further work up was done, 235 sent for ultrasound examination,36 sent for mammography, 22 sent for both ultrasound and mammography and 4 patients were sent for MRI of the breast.Excisional biopsy done for 37 patients, FNAC in 28 patients, tru cut biopsy in 10 patients and cytological examination for the fluid discharge in 18 patients.Mastalgia was the commonest disorder seen in 376 patients, Ductectasia in 60 cases, Fibrocystic disease in 36cases, fibroadenoma in 33cases, breast cysts in 28 cases.Conclusions: Benign breast diseases is a common problem in women, in this study mastalgia is the commonest followed by benign and inflammatory lesions. The use of the triple assessment to approach breast pathologies increase the diagnostic yield. (AU)

Antecedentes: La mama se ve afectada por una variedad de trastornos benignos con una amplia gama de características de imagen e histopatológicas. Las investigaciones epidemiológicas indican que más del 50% de las mujeres tendrán uno de los trastornos benignos de los senos después de los 20 años.Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar a mujeres con trastornos benignos de la mama que asisten a la clínica de mama en la ciudad de Duhok mediante el método de triple evaluación.Pacientes y métodos:Se trata de una prospectiva realizada en la Clínica de mama Duhok del Hospital Universitario Azadi desde mayo de 2017 hasta julio de 2018. Se incluyeron en el estudio 445 mujeres con enfermedades benignas de la mama. Los pacientes fueron evaluados mediante el método de evaluación triple (examen clínico, imagenología e histopatología), se incluyeron mujeres de todos los grupos de edad. Los pacientes con enfermedad maligna y los pacientes masculinos fueron excluidos del estudio.Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 34,3 años; se informó dolor de mama en 403 pacientes73 pacientes presentaron un bulto o bultos en la mama, 42 pacientes presentaron secreción del pezón, 36 pacientes presentaron retracción del pezón.De estos, el número total de pacientes 55 fueron tranquilizados y no se realizaron más estudios, 235 enviados para ecografía, 36 para mamografía, 22 para ecografía y mamografía y 4 pacientes para RM de mama.Se realizó biopsia escisional en 37 pacientes, FNAC en 28 pacientes, biopsia trucut en 10 pacientes y examen citológico para la descarga de líquido en 18 pacientes.La mastalgia fue el trastorno más común observado en 376 pacientes, ductectasia en 60 casos, enfermedad fibroquística en 36 casos, fibroadenoma en 33 casos, quistes de mama en 28 casos.Conclusiones: Las enfermedades benignas de la mama son un problema común en las mujeres, en este estudio la mastalgia es la más común seguida de las lesiones benignas e inflamatorias. (AU)

[The HRT follow-up consultation. What to do in case of breast pain. Postmenopausal women management: CNGOF and GEMVi clinical practice guidelines]. / La consultation de suivi du THM. Conduite à tenir en cas de syndrome douloureux mammaire. RPC Les femmes ménopausées du CNGOF et du GEMVi.

Breast pain is a concern in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, quantifiable using validated tools, and may pre-exist or appear after initiation of a HRT. OBJECTIVES: A review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the frequency of breast pain, its evolution with age, its changes under HRT, its link with a possible risk of subsequent breast cancer, and the diagnostic (breast imaging) or therapeutic management modalities (pharmacological or other) in women taking HRT. METHOD: A review of the literature was carried out by consulting Medline, Cochrane Library data and international recommendations in French and English up to the end of 2019. RESULTS: Published data confirm the importance of breast pain in relation to breast cancer risk. Women with breast pain prior to or related to the use of HRT have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared to women without breast pain. The risk is increased in cases of moderate to severe breast pain. In the presence of diffuse breast pain without abnormalities on clinical examination, it is not recommended to change the usual indications for screening, whether organized or individual. For focal breast pain, breast imaging (mammography and possibly ultrasound) is recommended. In the absence of abnormalities on breast imaging, a reassuring dialogue has to take place. With regard to HRT, doses of estrogens should be reduced until the breast pain decreases, or even stop the HRT if this symptom persists despite the use of low doses. Wearing a bra brassiere-type can also reduce breast pain.

Can Physical Characteristics and Sports Bra Use Predict Exercise-Induced Breast Pain in Elite Female Athletes?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a simple 4-factor model using self-reported data could be used to predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes. DESIGN: Survey study. SETTING: Online or hard-copy surveys completed at sporting competitions and training facilities around Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred ninety female athletes competing nationally or internationally across 49 sports. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: A binomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of a predictive model that included 2 continuous independent variables (age and body mass index) and 2 binary independent variables (breast size and sports bra use). Odds ratios were also calculated to determine the likelihood of an athlete reporting exercise-induced breast pain in association with each of the 4 variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Exercise-induced breast pain was the binary dependent variable. RESULTS: The model incorporating athlete age, breast size, body mass index, and sports bra use was found to be statistically significant, but weak, in its ability to predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes (correctly identified 66% of athletes). For every 1-year increase in age, a significant 2.6% increase in the likelihood of experiencing exercise-induced breast pain was observed. Athletes with medium-to-hypertrophic sized breasts were 5.5 times more likely to experience exercise-induced breast pain than athletes with small breasts. CONCLUSIONS: Although the current model was not sensitive enough for use by clinicians and coaches, age and breast size were both identified as critical variables in the prediction of exercise-induced breast pain. Future research is encouraged to investigate whether incorporating additional variables such body fat percentage, bra fit, and other relevant factors can add strength to the model.

Current Management and Treatment Options for Breast Pain.

Breast pain is a commonly experienced symptom in women of all ages and can significantly impact quality of life. Fear of cancer prompts many patients to report their pain, although risk for malignancy is low in the absence of a palpable mass or other abnormal finding on breast examination. All patients with breast pain should have a thorough history and physical examination to determine if diagnostic imaging is indicated. Management of breast pain without anatomic or radiographic abnormalities depends on pain type and severity. Often, no intervention is required. However, for women with pain that adversely impacts daily living, short-term therapies may be considered. For mild to moderate pain, a trial of conservative, nonpharmacologic strategies should be tried first. For those with severe symptoms impacting quality of life, a trial of pharmacologic therapy can be considered after appropriate counseling for medication-related adverse effects. Herein, we have provided a concise summary of a generalized approach to classification, assessment, and management of breast pain.

How best to address breast pain in nonbreastfeeding women.

This guide-with accompanying algorithms-will help you to streamline your approach to breast pain in a patient who isn't breastfeeding.

Breast pain and cancer: should we continue to work-up isolated breast pain?

PURPOSE: To assess the cancer detection rate (CDR) in patients presenting with isolated breast pain. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients presenting to a large tertiary care academic center or an affiliated hospital with isolated breast pain from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2015. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, pain characteristics, imaging findings, and outcome. RESULTS: The study cohort was comprised of 971 exams in 953 patients, with a median age of 50 years. A total of 62.5% (607/971) of the cases were assessed by mammography and ultrasound, 24.4% (237/971) by ultrasound only, and 13.1% (127/971) by mammography only. Including the abnormalities detected in the asymptomatic breast, 88.7% (861/971) of the cases were negative or had benign findings (BI-RADS 1 and 2), 6.8% (66/971) were probably benign (BI-RADS 3), 3.9% (38/971) were suspicious (BI-RADS 4), and 0.6% (6/971) were highly suggestive of malignancy (BI-RADS 5). CDR on initial work-up was 0.8% (8/953), of which 0.6% (4/690) was in average-risk patients while 1.5% (4/263) was in higher-than-average risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: CDR in patients presenting with isolated breast pain overall was low, comparable to the expected incidence of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Work-up for isolated breast pain may therefore be unnecessary and lead to overutilization of healthcare resources. Routine screening mammography should be encouraged and higher-than-average risk patients may benefit from additional tests.

Clinical management of idiopathic mastalgia: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION Idiopathic mastalgia (benign breast pain of unknown origin) is often poorly managed because of its subjective nature and unclear aetiology. Mastalgia is a reason for up to 50% of breast outpatient referrals. Existing systematic reviews discuss dated treatment options that provide limited symptomatic relief. METHODS A systematic review was conducted for aetiology and treatment of idiopathic mastalgia in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidance. Databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database and the Clinical Trial Registry were searched (February 2016). RESULTS Reassurance plus bra-fitting advice provides relief for most women. If symptoms persist, addition of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provides relief in 70-92% of women. There is some benefit in reducing dietary coffee and fat intake. Medical treatments have serious side-effects (often androgenic or menopausal) and should be considered only in cases resistant to simpler measures. Dopamine agonists are useful, but less effective than endocrine treatments such as Danazol or Tamoxifen. Of the Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator drugs, Ormeloxifene appears most effective, but is not licenced in the United Kingdom. Relaxation therapy, acupuncture and kinesiology may be useful but currently lack good evidence of effectiveness. DISCUSSION First-line management of breast pain should be explanation, reassurance and a bra-fitting advice. Subsequent drug therapy should be balanced against its side-effects; topical NSAIDs and Ormeloxifene show greatest benefit with least side-effects. Newer agents (Ormeloxifene) currently being used for mastalgia in India could be considered in the developed world.

THE ROLE OF E2/P RATIO IN THE ETIOLOGY OF FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE, MASTALGIA AND MASTODYNIA.

- The aim of the study was to assess the role of the estradiol and progesterone relationship during the late luteal phase and the occurrence of fibrocystic breast disease (FBD). The concentration of estradiol/progesterone was measured in the group of women with FBD as study group (n=50) and control group of women without FBD (n=40). All women had regular ovulation cycles. Blood samples for estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and prolactin determination were obtained in the morning at 8 am on days 21 and 24 of menstrual cycle. Significant mastalgia and mastodynia history in women with FBD was obtained with yes or no questionnaire. FBD diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound (size and number of simple cysts). In the control group, a reduced E2/P ratio was noticed from day 21 to day 24 of the cycle (from 14.8±11.5 pg/mL to 9.1±6.1 pg/mL; p<0.05), which was not recorded in the group of women with FBD (study group). Even the slightest disturbance of the E2/P ratio may contribute to the occurrence of FBD with clinical manifestations of mastalgia and mastodynia.

Mastalgia as an atypical presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: As the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnoses in Saudi Arabia has recently increased due to better diagnostic techniques, the incidence of diagnosed HCC metastasis has also increased. Here, we report a case of HCC metastasis to the rib with an initially atypical presentation of mastalgia caused by extrahepatic metastasis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old woman with a prior hepatitis B viral infection presented with a mass in the left breast accompanied by mastalgia for a 6-month duration. The patient's liver enzymes were elevated, and her serum α-fetoprotein level was particularly high. Computed tomography of her chest and abdomen showed a soft-tissue mass adhering to the upper chest wall, rib deterioration, and multiple hepatic lesions. A needle biopsy was immunohistochemically analyzed for Glypican-3, Pan-CK, and CK7 and was confirmed to be metastatic HCC. CONCLUSIONS: This metastatic HCC case is unique because it initially presented as mastalgia. We should consider the possibility of metastatic disease when assessing patients with unusual presentations who have risk factors for metastatic carcinoma.

Is Individualizing Breast Compression during Mammography useful? - Investigations of pain indications during mammography relating to compression force and surface area of the compressed breast.

Purpose The aim of this paper is to determine how the presence of pain during mammographic compression could be reduced. To this end, we examine its relationship with compression force, surface-area of the compressed breast, breast density (ACR) and former operations. Materials and Methods In 199 women 765 mammograms were performed. Women were asked to rate the level of pain on a scale of 0 - 10 (0: no, 10: highest pain). The surface-area of the breast under compression captured by the mammograms was measured using planimetry. 52 of the 199 women were asked to identify the area of the upper body with the highest level of pain. Results The thickness of the compressed breast was 65.2 % of the uncompressed breast at a force of 10 daN (57.8 % at 15 daN). When the force was increased from 10 daN to 15 daN, the average glandular dose (AGD) declined by 17 %. Tolerance of compression was associated with the size of the breast. More than 50 % of the mammograms with a small compression less than 9 daN were associated with higher level of pain. In the oblique projection, 60 % of the women specified the axilla as the area of maximum pain. Conclusion Women with larger breasts tolerated a greater force of compression. This implies a need for individualised examination depending on the size of the breast. Women with increased pain susceptibility terminated the compression early regardless of a small compression less than 9 daN. More than 50 % of the women identified areas outside breast as especially painful. Therefore, during examination, the areas around the breast should also be taken into consideration in order to minimize unnecessary discomfort. Key Points · With increased mammographic compression force, the effectiveness of breast thickness reduction declined.. · A compression force of 15 daN enabled an additional reduction by 17 % in average glandular dose (AGD) compared to 10 daN.. · Tolerance of increased compression force was related to breast surface area.. · Women with increased susceptibility of pain terminated the compression at a low force of less than 9 daN. · Pain relating to the mammographic procedure was identified outside the breast by more than 50 % of the women.. Citation Format · Feder K, Grunert JH. Is Individualizing Breast Compression during Mammography useful? - Investigations of pain indications during mammography relating to compression force and surface area of the compressed breast. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 39 - 48.

[Breast pain: Recommendations]. / Syndrome douloureux mammaire: recommandations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic value of clinical examination and additional tests in the exploration of breast pain, to evaluate the strategy of their care and to provide recommendations. METHODS: A literature search in English and French carried out by consulting the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library and international recommendations. RESULTS: Clinical examination and interrogation, with the use of visual analog scale used to differentiate non-cyclical breast pain from mastodynia (LE2). A calendar can be used to characterize the cyclical breast pain (LE3). Using a questionnaire can help to characterize the pain (LE3). In the absence of palpable abnormality, it is not recommended to modify systematic or individual screening modalities (LE2). MRI is not recommended in case of normal mammography and sonography. Explorations biopsy is guided by imaging. The therapeutic management includes reassurance after a normal clinical evaluation and/or normal radiological findings (LE2), and precise fitting of a brassière. In case of failure of this first approach, NSAIDs gel can be proposed (LE1-2).

Can mastalgia be another somatic symptom in fibromyalgia syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine the coexistence of mastalgia and fibromyalgia, to investigate the effects of this combination on pain patterns, and to discuss the status of breast pain in the diagnostic algorithm of fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Sixty-one female patients reporting breast pain during the last three months and 53 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome were enrolled in this study. The Breast Pain Questionnaire was administered to all participants in the mastalgia group and to those in the fibromyalgia syndrome group who had experienced mastalgia during the past three months. The patients in the fibromyalgia syndrome group were evaluated using the 2010 preliminary American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. All of the patients in the mastalgia group were evaluated for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome by a single physiatrist. The coexistence and pain patterns of mastalgia and fibromyalgia were assessed statistically. RESULTS: Approximately half of the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (47.2%) reported having mastalgia at the time of admission and 37.7% of the patients with mastalgia met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome. The patients with mastalgia in the fibromyalgia syndrome group had significantly higher total breast pain scores compared with the women in the mastalgia group. In addition, the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome in the mastalgia group had significantly higher Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scale scores than the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that mastalgia can be an aspect of the central sensitivity syndrome and can be added to the somatic symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Can mastalgia be another somatic symptom in fibromyalgia syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine the coexistence of mastalgia and fibromyalgia, to investigate the effects of this combination on pain patterns, and to discuss the status of breast pain in the diagnostic algorithm of fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Sixty-one female patients reporting breast pain during the last three months and 53 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome were enrolled in this study. The Breast Pain Questionnaire was administered to all participants in the mastalgia group and to those in the fibromyalgia syndrome group who had experienced mastalgia during the past three months. The patients in the fibromyalgia syndrome group were evaluated using the 2010 preliminary American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. All of the patients in the mastalgia group were evaluated for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome by a single physiatrist. The coexistence and pain patterns of mastalgia and fibromyalgia were assessed statistically. RESULTS: Approximately half of the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (47.2%) reported having mastalgia at the time of admission and 37.7% of the patients with mastalgia met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome. The patients with mastalgia in the fibromyalgia syndrome group had significantly higher total breast pain scores compared with the women in the mastalgia group. In addition, the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome in the mastalgia group had significantly higher Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scale scores than the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that mastalgia can be an aspect of the central sensitivity syndrome and can be added to the somatic symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia causing massive breast enlargement.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast is a benign mesenchymal proliferative process, initially described by Vuitch et al. We report an unusual case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a 6-week history of bilateral massive, asymmetrical, painful enlargement of her breasts, without a history of trauma. On clinical examination, both breasts were markedly enlarged and oedematous, but there were no discrete palpable masses. Preoperative image-guided core biopsies and surgery showed PASH. PASH is increasingly recognised as an incidental finding on image-guided core biopsy performed for screen detected lesions. There are a few reported cases of PASH presenting as rapid breast enlargement. In our case, the patient presented with painful, asymmetrical, massive breast enlargement. Awareness needs to be raised of this entity as a differential diagnosis in massive, painful breast enlargement.

[Systemic Adamantiades-Behçet's disease: adverse effects of an otherwise successful therapy with interferon-α-2a]. / Morbus Adamantiades-Behçet: erfolgreiche Therapie mit ungewöhnlichen Komplikationen.

BACKGROUND: Adamantiades-Behçet's disease is an immune-mediated vasculitis with relapsing course. It is characterised by the classic clinical trias of oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers and uveitis. HISTORY AND FINDINGS: A 37-year-old woman suffered from systemic Adamantiades-Behçet disease with recurrent uveitis, oral ulcers, genital ulcers, arthralgia, erythema nodosum and folliculitis. COURSE AND TREATMENT: Longterm interferon-α-2a (IFNα-2a) led to reduction of the clinical manifestations except for occasional occurrence of oral ulcers. One year after initiation of treatment however, the patient developed symptomatic hyperprolactinemia of unknown etiology. CONCLUSION: Even in otherwise successful treatment with IFNα-2a possible side effects and complications of treatment can affect the course. Mastodynia and hyperprolactinemia have not yet been described as potential side effects of IFNα-2a.

Long-term clinical outcomes in women with breast pain in the absence of additional clinical findings: mammography remains indicated.

The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term clinical outcomes of women with breast pain in the absence of additional symptoms or signs (isolated breast pain), and the utility of mammography in their work-up. IRB approved, HIPAA compliant study retrospectively reviewed 1,386 patients referred for breast imaging with ICD-9 code for breast pain between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2007. Of these, 617 consecutive women (mean age, 49 years) with isolated breast pain, mammogram, and follow-up (mean, 51 months) constituted the study group. Clinical data, mammographic and sonographic BI-RADS assessments, and geographic relationship between the site of cancer and pain were evaluated. The frequency of malignancies and of specific benign outcomes, both at and subsequent to the time of presentation, was determined. Breast cancer and specific benign outcomes were diagnosed in the painful breast of 11/617 (1.8 %) and 63/617 (10.2 %) women, respectively. Majority of the cancers (9/11, 81.8 %) were diagnosed subsequent (5-52 months) to initial imaging evaluation, whereas the majority of benign outcomes (52/63, 82.5 %) were diagnosed at initial presentation. Diagnostic mammography at initial presentation had a negative predictive value of 99.8 % (95 % CI 99.1 %, 100 %), specificity of 98.5 % (95 % CI 97.2 %, 99.3 %), and sensitivity of 66.7 % (95 % CI 11.6 %, 94.5 %). Three cancers were subsequently diagnosed in the contralateral (non-painful) breast. Eleven of 14 (78.6 %) cancers were in the symptomatic breast, of which 9 (81.8 %) geographically corresponded to the same area of focal pain. Thus, infrequently, breast cancer may clinically present as or be preceded by isolated breast pain and diagnostic mammography is useful for assessment.