Cyclical breast pain
Although cyclical breast pain is linked to the menstrual cycle, it can also be associated with taking contraceptive pills, certain anti-depressant drugs, or even stress.

Non-cyclical breast pain
It may be due to breast infection, previous breast surgery etc. However, in many cases, it is not entirely known what causes true non-cyclical breast pain that is not linked to the menstrual cycle.

Extra mammary or chest wall pain could be related to an underlying problem such as inflammation (swelling) of the chest wall, known as costochondritis which affects parts of the ribs. The pain could also be the result of underlying muscle injury, heart problem etc.