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Differential Diagnosis for Pain under Right Breast in a 13-year-old

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Costochondritis: This condition, also known as Tietze's syndrome, is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). It's a common cause of chest pain in adolescents and can cause pain under the breast.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Musculoskeletal strain: The pain could be due to a strain or pull in the muscles or ligaments under the breast, possibly from overuse or injury.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or constipation can cause referred pain under the breast.
  • Breast bud tenderness: In early puberty, breast development can cause tenderness or pain, which might be perceived as being under the breast.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary embolism: Although rare in adolescents, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden, severe chest pain and is a life-threatening condition that must not be missed.
  • Pneumonia or pleurisy: Infections like pneumonia or inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleurisy) can cause chest pain that might be felt under the breast.
  • Cardiac issues: Though uncommon, cardiac conditions such as pericarditis or myocarditis can cause chest pain and are critical to diagnose promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can cause pain under the breast, though they are rare in adolescents.
  • Sickle cell crisis: In individuals with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause severe pain episodes, including chest pain.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can have extraintestinal manifestations, including chest pain, though this is less common.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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