Differential Diagnosis for Rash on Right Breast
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Mastitis: Given the acute onset of pain and rash on the breast, mastitis is a strong consideration. It's an inflammation of the breast tissue, which can be infectious or non-infectious, and is more common in women, especially those with dense breast tissue.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dermatitis (contact or atopic): The rash could be due to an allergic reaction or irritation from clothing, soaps, or other products, which is relatively common.
- Fat necrosis: This condition can cause pain and may lead to skin changes, including a rash, especially in the context of dense breast tissue and a history of recent imaging (though the mammogram was a month ago, it's still a consideration).
- Inflammatory breast cancer: Although less common, this aggressive form of breast cancer can present with skin changes, including a rash, and pain, making it a consideration, especially with a history of thyroid cancer and dense breast tissue.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Inflammatory breast cancer (mentioned above, but emphasized here due to its severity and potential for being overlooked): It's crucial to not miss this diagnosis due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis if not treated promptly.
- Breast abscess: A collection of pus in the breast tissue, which can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes, including a rash. It requires urgent medical attention.
- Lymphangitis or cellulitis: Infections of the skin and lymphatic vessels, which can be serious and require prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the skin, and might present with a rash, though it's less common in the breast.
- Granulomatous lobular mastitis: A rare inflammatory condition of the breast that can cause a rash, pain, and swelling, often mistaken for other conditions, including cancer.