Importance of mastalgia in operable breast cancer. Issue 6325 (1st May 1982)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preece, P E; Baum, M; Mansel, R E; Webster, D J; Fortt, R W; Gravelle, I H; Hughes, L E
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 284:Issue 6325(1982)
• Page Start: 1299
• Page End: 1300
• Publication Date: 1982-05-01
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.284.6325.1299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The importance of pain as a presenting symptom of breast cancer has been assessed in a series of 240 patients with operable breast cancer over four years. From an analysis of the case histories of 36 patients the diagnosis proved difficult in one-quarter of the cancers. This is explained by the high incidence of subclinical and lobular carcinoma in the group. Cancer must be seriously considered as a diagnosis in patients presenting with well-localised breast pain of recent onset. These patients should be followed for at least one year after the onset of the pain before cancer is confidently excluded.