How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Breast Pain

Audience: adult

Breast pain is a common symptom that many adults experience at some point. It can have many causes, ranging from hormonal changes to infections or injuries. Preparing for a telemedicine visit about breast pain can help you communicate your symptoms clearly and get the most from your appointment. Telemedicine allows you to discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider remotely, which can be convenient and safe. However, some signs need urgent in-person care. This guide helps you understand how to prepare for your telemedicine visit, what to expect, and when to seek emergency care. Being ready with your medical history, symptom details, and questions will make your visit more effective. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe breast pain with redness or swelling — seek emergency care immediately.
• New, hard lump in the breast or armpit that does not move — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.
• Nipple discharge that is bloody or occurs without squeezing — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing mild to moderate breast pain without urgent symptoms.
• Reviewing symptom patterns and medical history.
• Guiding self-examination during video calls.
• Providing advice on pain management and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical breast examinations or imaging tests.
• Diagnosing breast cancer or infections requiring lab tests.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
• Treating breast abscesses or other emergencies.

What is breast pain and common causes?

Breast pain, also called mastalgia, can feel like tenderness, soreness, or sharp pain in one or both breasts. It may be related to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. Other causes include infections like mastitis, cysts, injuries, or rarely, breast cancer. Understanding your pain's pattern and triggers helps your healthcare provider find the cause.

When is telemedicine appropriate for breast pain?

Telemedicine is suitable for discussing new or ongoing breast pain that is mild to moderate and without urgent warning signs. You can describe your symptoms, share photos if needed, and get advice on managing pain or deciding if further tests are necessary. It is a good option if you cannot visit a clinic easily or want quick guidance.

How to prepare for your telemedicine visit

Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when the pain started, how it feels, and what makes it better or worse. Note any lumps, nipple changes, or discharge. Gather your medical history, including any breast problems, surgeries, or family history of breast cancer. Have a quiet, private space with good internet and a device ready for the visit. Write down questions you want to ask.

What to expect during the telemedicine visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your breast pain and overall health. They may guide you to perform a self-exam during the video call. Based on your information, they might suggest home care tips, medications, or recommend an in-person exam or imaging tests like a mammogram or ultrasound if needed.

When to seek in-person care immediately

If you notice sudden, severe breast pain, a new lump that feels hard or fixed, skin changes like redness or dimpling, nipple discharge that is bloody or unusual, or fever with breast swelling, seek urgent in-person medical care. These signs may require prompt physical examination and treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a camera and microphone ready (smartphone, tablet, or computer).
• Write down when your breast pain started and describe the pain (location, intensity, triggers).
• Note any lumps, nipple changes, discharge, or other breast symptoms.
• Gather your medical history, including past breast issues and family history of breast cancer.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider.
• If comfortable, have a flashlight or mirror ready for self-examination guidance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any advice or prescriptions given by your healthcare provider.
• Schedule in-person appointments or imaging tests if recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new warning signs.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Maintain regular breast self-exams as advised.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my breast pain?

Telemedicine can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and decide if further tests or in-person exams are needed. However, it usually cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without physical examination or imaging.

What should I do if I find a lump during self-exam?

If you find a new lump, especially if it is hard, fixed, or growing, contact your healthcare provider promptly for an in-person evaluation. Do not delay seeking care.

Is breast pain always a sign of cancer?

Most breast pain is not caused by cancer. Many benign conditions and hormonal changes can cause breast pain. However, any new or unusual breast changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Can I show my breast pain area during the video call?

Yes, if you are comfortable, your healthcare provider may ask you to show the area during the video call to guide a self-exam. This helps them assess your symptoms better.

What treatments might be suggested during a telemedicine visit?

Your provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, warm or cold compresses, or lifestyle changes. They may also advise when to seek further testing or in-person care.

Sources

1. Breast Pain (Mastalgia) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Breast Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Signs — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Mastalgia (Breast Pain) — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.