Differential Diagnosis for Bruising to the Breast
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trauma: This is the most likely diagnosis, as bruising to the breast is often caused by direct trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the chest. The location and appearance of the bruise can provide clues about the mechanism of injury.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Surgical or procedural complication: Bruising can occur after breast surgery, biopsies, or other medical procedures. The history of recent medical intervention can help support this diagnosis.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma. A hematoma can cause bruising and swelling in the breast tissue.
- Insect bite or sting: Certain insect bites or stings can cause bruising, especially if there is an allergic reaction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Breast cancer: While rare, breast cancer can cause bruising, especially if there is a tumor that is bleeding or if cancer has invaded the skin. A new bruise or unexplained bruising in the breast should prompt further evaluation.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: This aggressive type of breast cancer can cause skin changes, including bruising, redness, and swelling.
- Warfarin or anticoagulant use: Patients taking anticoagulant medications are at increased risk of bruising, including in the breast tissue.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fat necrosis: A rare condition in which the fatty tissue in the breast becomes damaged, leading to bruising, swelling, and sometimes a palpable mass.
- Mondor's disease: A rare condition characterized by thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the breast, which can cause bruising, swelling, and pain.
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition in which abnormal proteins accumulate in the body, including in the breast tissue, which can cause bruising and other symptoms.