Differential Diagnosis for Tender Breast
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Mastitis or breast infection: This is often the most common cause of a tender breast, especially in lactating women. The breast may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch, accompanied by fever and chills.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Fibrocystic breast changes: These are benign changes in the breast tissue that can cause lumps, tenderness, and a range of other symptoms. The tenderness often varies with the menstrual cycle.
- Breast cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast that can cause tenderness, especially if they become large or rupture.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle or menopause can lead to breast tenderness.
- Trauma or injury: A blow to the breast or chest can cause tenderness and bruising.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Breast cancer: Although less common, breast cancer can present with a tender breast, especially if the tumor is large or has invaded the skin or chest wall.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that causes the breast to become red, swollen, and tender.
- Abscess: A collection of pus in the breast tissue that can cause severe tenderness, redness, and swelling.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mondor's disease: A rare condition characterized by thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the breast, causing tenderness and a cord-like structure under the skin.
- Fat necrosis: A condition in which the fatty tissue in the breast becomes damaged, leading to tenderness, lumps, and sometimes calcification.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause granulomatous inflammation in the breast, leading to tenderness and lumps.