Differential Diagnosis for Breast Pain after a Fall

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Trauma to the breast implant: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of a fall and subsequent pain to the breast implant. The trauma could have caused damage to the implant, surrounding tissue, or both.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Hematoma or seroma formation: A fall could lead to bleeding or fluid accumulation around the implant, causing pain and swelling.
• Capsular contracture: Although less common as an acute presentation, any trauma to the breast could potentially lead to or exacerbate capsular contracture, where the body forms a tight layer of collagen fibers around the implant.
• Musculoskeletal strain: The fall could have caused strain to the muscles of the chest wall, leading to pain that is referred to the breast area.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Implant rupture: While less common, a rupture of the breast implant due to trauma is a critical diagnosis not to miss. It requires immediate attention and possible surgical intervention.
• Infection or abscess formation: Any trauma to the breast could introduce bacteria, leading to infection or abscess formation, which is a medical emergency.
• Pneumothorax or rib fracture: Although the primary complaint is breast pain, a fall significant enough to cause breast trauma could also result in a pneumothorax or rib fracture, both of which are life-threatening conditions.

Rare Diagnoses

• Fat necrosis: This is a rare condition where the fat in the breast tissue dies due to injury, which could be caused by a significant trauma like a fall.
• Galactocele or breast cyst formation: While not directly related to trauma, any change in breast tissue could potentially lead to the formation of a galactocele (a milk-filled cyst) or a breast cyst, which could cause pain.