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Referral
Breast pain
Minor or moderate degree of breast pain with no discrete palpable abnormality, when initial treatment fails and/or with unexplained persistent symptoms need to be referred as non-urgent.
Cyclical breast pain in the younger patient does not need to be referred and can be managed supportively.
“In the presence of a normal physical examination, simple breast pain is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. There is an excellent training resource via this link which is endorsed by all breast specialists in Devon and Cornwall. You can also read the joint statement on the management of breast pain issued by the association of breast surgery here.
Signs and Symptoms
- Minor or moderate degree of breast pain with no discrete palpable abnormality, when initial treatment fails and/or with unexplained persistent symptoms need to be referred as non-urgent.
- Cyclical breast pain in the younger patient does not need to be referred and can be managed supportively.
“In the presence of a normal physical examination, simple breast pain is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. There is an excellent training resource via this link which is endorsed by all breast specialists in Devon and Cornwall. You can also read the joint statement on the management of breast pain issued by the association of breast surgery here.
Investigations in patients presenting with symptoms and/or signs suggestive of breast cancer prior to referral is not recommended.
- Minor or moderate degree of breast pain with no discrete palpable abnormality, when initial treatment fails and/or with unexplained persistent symptoms need to be referred as non-urgent.
- Cyclical breast pain in the younger patient does not need to be referred and can be managed supportively. See link below under "Further guidance" for management options.
“In the presence of a normal physical examination, simple breast pain is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. There is an excellent training resource via this link which is endorsed by all breast specialists in Devon and Cornwall. You can also read the joint statement on the management of breast pain issued by the association of breast surgery here.
Referral Criteria
- Refer as non-urgent patients with minor or moderate degree of breast pain with no discrete palpable abnormality, when initial treatment fails and/or with unexplained persistent symptoms.
Referral Instructions
Use the e-Referral Service to book the appointment, if no appointment available, click "defer to provider"
Priority: Urgent
Service: Surgery - Breast
Clinic type: Other symptomatic Breast
Service: Breast Pain & Male patients –NDHCT–NDDH-RBZ
Referral Form
Further guidance
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off on behalf of NHS Devon.
Publication date: June 2017
Updated: July 2023
