Mastalgia: Risk Factors and Treatment Strategies Used at Two Breast Clinics in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Mastalgia is a common cause of fear and anxiety in patients especially in south east asia due to high prevalence of breast cancer . Mastalgia is one of the commonest symptom with which women consult a breast clinic.
 Objective: Aim of this study is to determine risk factors associated with mastalgia,its association with various breast disorders, and various management strategies used for its treatment.
 Study Design: Prospective Descriptive Study
 Duration and place of study: This study was carried out at CMH Rawalpindi and Thall over a period of six months from January to July 2017.
 Materials and Methods: All women presenting to breast surgery clinic with complaints of breast pain, heaviness, and tenderness were included in the study. Patients were initially evaluated at the time of presentation, treatment initiated and then were evaluated after six months of treatment.
 
 Results: A total of 93 women presented to our clinic during this period. Cyclical mastalgia was noted in 39.8% (n=37) women while 60.2% (n=56) had non cyclical mastalgia. In 41.9%(n=39) patients no underlying pathology was noted ,49.5%(n=46) patients had benign disorders while 8.6%(n=8) had malignancy. Increased BMI ,lack of exercise were associated with onset of mastalgia while use of OCP was associated with low risk of mastalgia. Of all 45.1%(n=42) responded to measures like reassurance, dietary and lifestyle modifications while 54.9%(n=51) were treated with pharmacological therapy .Those having malignancy were treated according to the underlying malignancy.
 
 Conclusion: Careful and thorough evaluation of mastalgia is necessary to rule out any underlying pathology.