Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences (Jan 2018)
Mastalgia– A Study from the Middle East
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mastalgia is a common breast symptom experienced by females of reproductive age. The purpose of this study was to analyze the profile of females with mastalgia. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted in June 2017 in the Department of Surgery, Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. A self designed questionnaire was used to interview the females after proper explanation and consent. RESULTS: 979 females participated and prevalence of mastalgia was found to be 59%. Most of the patients experienced pain for less than 7 days per month. Reassurance was the main modality of management. CONCLUSION: Mastalgia is a common breast symptom with a prevalence of about 59% that is comparable to that of western populations. There is a suggestion for further studies to gain a greater understanding of this disease.