Pain is one of the most common breast symptoms prompting women to seek medical attention. However, contrary to its significance in most parts of the body, pain in the breasts is usually not a sign of a serious problem. Show
It most often represents sensitivity of normal breast tissue to dietary factors, medications, or hormonal changes. Mastalgia, or breast pain, can also arise from breast cysts, localized infections, or inflammation in the muscles or ribs behind the breasts, most of which can easily be identified and treated. In the rare situation where pain is the result of breast cancer, it almost always occurs after the cancer has become obvious in other ways – such as a prominent breast lump or a visible change in the breast appearance. In summary, breast pain typically represents a challenge of symptom management, not a threat to life. Most women are familiar with the cyclic pattern of breast pain and sensitivity related to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms often affect both breasts, but can affect one breast more than the other and generally increase in severity prior to a period. Usually the pain involves the whole breast, or one consistent area of the breast – often the upper, outer breast towards the armpit, or the central breast including the nipple. The pattern is familiar from month to month, and tends to resolve completely with the onset of menses. Breast Pain Cause by CaffeineNon-cyclic breast pain may be due to dietary triggers including caffeine, which is found in a variety of beverages and foods (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) and may produce severe breast pain in some women with others experiencing no effect at all. Similar variable breast sensitivity has been associated with hormonal medications, some dietary supplements, and other foods including large amounts of dietary soy. Sometimes it is just not possible to isolate a specific cause, but in each of these situations the breasts are not the source of the problem; there is an external factor to which the breasts are sensitive, producing the discomfort. If it is possible to identify and modify the trigger, the symptoms will be improved. In addition, a well-fitting supportive bra (ideally a sports bra), application of cool or warm compresses for comfort, and use of ibuprofen (or a similar mild analgesic with an anti-inflammatory effect) can be helpful in managing symptoms. It is important to understand that, because this type of breast pain relates to breast tissue sensitivity, it may be uncomfortable but is not harmful. Breast Pain Caused by CystsSome breast pain does arise from the breast tissue itself and is often more localized than the type caused by sensitivity. An example would be pain from an inflamed or enlarging breast cyst. Cysts are fluid-filled spaces in the gland tissue of the breast and have no known cause, although they are almost always associated with some hormonal activity (women who are premenopausal or taking some type of estrogen/progesterone medication). Most cysts do not cause symptoms but, if the fluid is under pressure or if inflammation is present, the cyst may become tender and produce a lump. Ibuprofen and cool compresses will help, but aspiration of the fluid may be necessary to relieve the pressure and the pain. These cysts rarely recur after aspiration, but some women are prone to multiple cysts over time. Costochondritis: The Most Common Cause of Breast PainPerhaps the most common cause of localized “breast pain” is costochondritis – inflammation in the ribs behind the breast. This may be due to increased physical activity or trauma, but often there is no known cause. The pain may be constant and achy or intermittent and sharp, but is always associated with tenderness over specific trigger points on the affected ribs, usually near the center of the chest. Because the pain is originating directly behind the breast, it often feels as though it is coming from the breast itself. This condition may resolve without treatment, but is similar to mild arthritis and can be treated with a short course of anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Only rarely is breast pain the first symptom of a breast cancer, but a careful medical history, clinical breast exam, and updated breast imaging with mammography and ultrasound, when necessary, are always appropriate, particularly if there is no obvious explanation for the pain. A trial of symptom treatment is often successful even in the absence of a definite diagnosis, and most women will find a comfortable way to manage their symptoms even if they do not completely resolve. However, consultation with a breast specialist is indicated anytime there is an ongoing or specific breast concern. Costochondritis most commonly affects the upper ribs on the left-hand side of your body. Pain is often worst where the rib cartilage attaches to the breastbone (sternum), but it can also occur where the cartilage attaches to the rib. Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions. Costochondritis is sometimes known as chest wall pain syndrome, costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Sometimes, swelling accompanies the pain (Tietze syndrome). What causes costochondritis is unclear. Treatment focuses on easing the pain while waiting for the condition to improve on its own, which can take several weeks or more. Products & Services
SymptomsThe pain associated with costochondritis usually:
When to see a doctorFor chest pain, seek emergency medical attention to rule out life-threatening causes such as a heart attack. CausesCostochondritis usually has no clear cause. However, costochondritis might be associated with trauma, illness or physical strain, such as severe coughing. Risk factorsCostochondritis occurs most often in women older than 40. Tietze syndrome usually occurs in teenagers and young adults, and with equal frequency in men and women. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Diagnosis & treatment May 11, 2022 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references
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AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What causes pain in rib cage under right breast?Causes include an injury to the rib cage, heavy lifting, an infection, and arthritis. Experts note, however, that it often has no identifiable cause. Your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription-strength pain relievers and anti-inflammatories or steroids. Heat and cold therapy and bed rest will help relieve the pain.
What organ is underneath right breast in the ribcage?Just under the right side of your rib cage lie several important organs, such as the pancreas, gallbladder, right kidney, and parts of your liver, and small and large intestines. Experts divide the abdomen into four quadrants, and the upper quarter on the right-hand side is the RUQ or right upper quadrant.
When should I be concerned about pain under my right rib?Any pain you feel under your right rib cage isn't usually anything to worry about, but if the pain is severe or persists, you should see a doctor as it could be caused by an underlying condition.
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Pain in rib area under right breast
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