Effectiveness of topical NSAIDs in management of mastalgia

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Created On: 06/11/2023

A placebo-controlled, blinded, randomized, prospective study was conducted with the goal of examining the impact of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on mastalgia.

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Key take away

Using NSAIDs topically three times daily for at least 6 months is favorable in alleviating both cyclic and noncyclic mastalgia

Background

A placebo-controlled, blinded, randomized, prospective study was conducted with the goal of examining the impact of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on mastalgia.

Method

Overall, 108 participants were included, comprising 60 individuals experiencing cyclic breast pain (Group I) and 48 individuals with noncyclic breast pain (Group II). Within each group, participants were randomized into two subgroups: one receiving NSAIDs topically and the other receiving a placebo. These treatments were administered thrice a day for at least 6 months. The intensity of pain was assessed during both pre and post-6-month treatment periods.

Result

There was a noteworthy reduction in pain scores when comparing the average initial breast pain scores to the six-month breast pain scores in both the treatment and placebo groups for both noncyclic and cyclic mastalgia. Additionally, significant distinctions were observed when comparing the mean alteration in pain values within each treatment group to the corresponding alteration in the placebo group, regardless of whether it was for cyclic or noncyclic mastalgia.

However, there were no clinically meaningful differences in pain alteration between the treatment and placebo groups when comparing cyclic mastalgia to noncyclic mastalgia. Importantly, no adverse effects were noted in both groups.

Conclusion

The topical use of NSAIDs proved to be useful in treating both noncyclic and cyclic mastalgia, demonstrating effectiveness while causing minimal side effects.