Mastodynia: Current data on the causes, course, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. A review

Abstract

Mastodynia is a common clinical symptom in general medical and gynecological practice. The objectives of this literature review are to analyze scientific information on the epidemiology of mastodynia/mastalgia, the impact on quality of life, inconsistencies in the etiology determination, to formulate a diagnostic concept, classification, and treatment, and to assess the therapeutic effects of Vitex Agnus-Castus. Scientific publications over the past 30 years were searched in the main research databases, CochraneLibrary, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ELibrary, using the terms "mastalgia," "mastodynia," "Vitex Agnus-Castus," "chest pain," "chest pain, breast pain." The pathophysiology of mastodynia is multifaceted, with various etiology factors and independent ways of pain occurrence. Most studies have emphasized the importance of correctly classifying breast pain for accurate diagnosis and effective therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of pain episodes and improve quality of life while minimizing side effects. Vitex Agnus-Castus is safe and effective in the treatment of mastodynia.