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What Causes Constant Dull Aching Pain Under Left Breast?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Question: I am having a constant dull aching pain under my left breast, it goes around my side where my bra would sit and goes all the way down to the bottom of my ribs in front and side. Moving makes it worse, however it doesn't feel like an obvious muscle pain. Heat makes it worse. Eating makes it worse. I've felt to check for swelling and it seems a little swollen but doesn't hurt to touch. It does seem like I irritate it though the more I try to feel for abnormalities. I went to er as I was concerned for spleen, from a fall 4 weeks ago since I had a spleen injury 10 years ago,,or pancreatitis. I had a 7 hour lobby wait so ended up leaving.I did however get blood work and chest xray done in which triage nurse told me it was fine. I have no other symptoms.What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Teitze syndrome

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your question.

at your age it would be unlikely that this pain would be caused by a heart problem. stomach and food pipe trouble can also cause this type of pain.

following your description it seems most likely that this pain is musculoskeletal in origin. it is very common for young people to have pain in their chest wall and ribs. sometimes it can be caused by a viral infection.

the treatment is supportive in terms of an antiinflammatory medication and physiotherapy.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)

You mentioned heart problem so I thought I might add.. I had an EKG that said "consider inferior ischemia" the same er visit in which I wrote about where I left because of being ignored. The nurse said it was totally fine. I have palpitations every day which I was told they are benign. so just to ease my mind this isn't anything to worry about further right that could be related? Also I am enclosing a photo in which I have cropped. the photo is entirely the location of pain in which i think has some swelling. So the blood work would most definitely rule out the spleen and pancreas? Thank you for your answer very much it takes a load off!! I just want to be completely positive that its nothing to worry about because it is rather painful especially the more I move I just noticed and just doesn't seem like I've done anything at all to pull a muscle or hurt ribs.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Further questions answered.

Detailed Answer:
hi,

the automatic report on EKG machines is often incorrect and needs to be interpreted by a Dr.

many people have benign palpitations. usually they are investigated with a 24 hour tape - literally a 24 he EKG and possibly an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart. typically a cardiologist would organize these after seeing you personally.

pancreatitis is usually diagnosed based on your blood work in particular you usually have a raised amylase which is an enzyme in the pancreas. issues with the spleen can be a little more difficult to diagnose and treat but they are rare.

you pain does sound musculoskeletal in nature as it hurts when you move around.

no photo was included that I could find.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (8 minutes later)

Here is the photo that I forgot to attach. I'll definitely get some ibuprofen and take it easy. Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for the photo

Detailed Answer:
ok thanks for the photo. it's hard to make out any swelling in that picture.

best wishes

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T