Have you ever felt quick, stabbing pain in your left breast? A pain that comes on fast, but leaves just as quickly? You're not alone, so we decided to scope out the possible reasons why.
Here are four possible causes of this mysterious pain.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a condition that causes sharp, stabbing pain under your breast that can be made worse by breathing in deeply. Pleurisy is caused by inflammation of the thin membranes that surround the outside of your lungs and the inside of your chest cavity, called pleura. When these membranes become inflamed (usually because of a viral or bacterial infection), they can rub against each other, which is what causes the sharp pain you feel. Pleurisy itself is not usually serious and typically goes away on its own, but it can be symptomatic of other more serious conditions and diseases, so it should be discussed with your healthcare provider (HCP).
Precordial catch syndrome
Precordial catch syndrome causes intense, sharp, knife-like pain under the left breast area, often right under the left nipple. Like pleurisy, it can also be made worse by breathing, and you may find yourself taking very shallow breaths in order to avoid making the pain worse. While the pain itself is intense, precordial catch syndrome is harmless and its exact causes aren't known. It's not related to your heart and lungs and goes away on its own with time. This condition is mainly found among children, teens and young adults, but can also be found in older adults as well. While it can be painful, precordial catch syndrome is nothing to worry about.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is the result of inflammation of the pericardium, which is basically a sac that surrounds your heart in order to keep it in place and help it function. When the pericardium membranes become inflamed, it can lead to chest pain, specifically under the left breast. It may feel like a stabbing pain in your heart or under your breast bone. While it is most often found in people assigned male at birth, it can also be found in people assigned female at birth. Its exact cause isn't often known, but it may be the result of a viral infection. Pericarditis is usually harmless and resolves itself with time, but in rare cases can cause serious complications and can become chronic.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is another form of inflammation, this time of the cartilage where the ribs go into the sternum. It's actually a musculoskeletal pain that doesn't come from the breast at all, but because of its location, the pain can seem like it's coming from your breast. Like most of these other conditions, it usually goes away on its own but it can last several weeks or more. The pain can be treated with medicine or physical therapy, but if you suspect you have this condition, you should definitely talk to your HCP to find out for sure, and they can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Because of the way your body is put together and where your internal organs are, the left side of your body is often affected more than the right by some of these conditions. While a fleeting pain in your left breast is usually nothing to worry about, rarely it can point to something serious. That's why it's always a good idea to talk to your HCP to rule out any health conditions that might need to be treated.
Possible causes of sharp, sudden pain in your breast.
You're cruising along in your day, enjoying the sunshine, and suddenly, out of nowhere, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your breast. First thought: ouch! Next thoughts: heart attack? Breast cancer? What is that?
Deekshita Damidi, MD, family physician with Baptist Primary Care, said, "Random pain like this is common, and your first thoughts shouldn't immediately go to the worst-case scenario. There are many possible causes."
Dr. Damidi separated possible causes of breast pain into the following three categories:
Cyclical pain varies throughout the menstrual cycle with hormonal fluctuations in the body, which can be triggered naturally or with certain medications. This breast pain typically develops around a week before a period and can last throughout the course of your menstrual cycle. People using birth control can also experience these symptoms.
Non-cyclical pain in the breast/chest area is sporadic, intermittent pain that comes and goes. This could be caused by fat necrosis, a benign condition that most commonly results from a past injury or from previous surgery in the area. In addition, Dr. Damidi explained, "There is research coming out about the role diet and lifestyle may play in breast pain. We recommend eating a low-fat diet, quitting smoking, and decreasing caffeine consumption to see if that eases the pain."
Extramammary pain feels like it is in or around the breast, but may actually originate from other lung or muscle-skeletal issues. There are four common examples of this type of pain:
- Stretched ligaments: Females with large breasts may experience pain due to stretching of Cooper's ligaments (the connective tissues that help give breasts their shape). They may also have associated neck, back and shoulder pain.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation in the cartilage where the rib and breastbone connect. This pain can be localized to the half of the chest closest to breastbone, and may feel tender when pressure is applied, the rib cage moves, or a person takes a deep breath. It can often occur after heavy lifting or activities that stretch the upper body.
- Mastitis: This is inflammation of breast tissue sometimes accompanied by infection, causing pain, red skin patches, swelling and tenderness. It's more common in lactating mothers but can also occur in non-lactating women.
- Pleurisy: The two large, thin tissues that separate the lungs from the chest wall (pleura) swell and become inflamed, causing them to rub against each other. This causes pain as you inhale and exhale.
Just glitches
In most cases, these quick stabs of pain are just "glitches" that come and go, lasting only one or two breaths. If the pain is ongoing or becomes more frequent, it's worth a call to your primary care physician (PCP). Be prepared to tell him or her:
- When the pain began
- How long it lasted
- How it felt
- What, if any, other symptoms you had
- How often symptoms occur
In addition to discussing your experiences, your doctor may listen to your heart and lungs, and check your blood pressure and pulse. If your physician thinks your heart may be the problem, he or she may order more testing.
Cancer concerns
For many, the first thought that comes to mind when one of these pains occurs is, "Do I have breast cancer?"
"Pain is not a common indication of breast cancer. It's very rare," said Jennifer Crozier, MD, medical oncologist with Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. "However, if the pain is accompanied by additional symptoms, you should contact your PCP or OB/GYN, who may order more tests."
Common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Lumps or bumps in the breast or surrounding lymph nodes
- Inflammation of the breast, armpits or collarbone
- Changes in nipple appearance or structure, such as nipples that have turned inward
- Skin dimpling or thickening, possibly resembling an orange peel
- Nipple discharge
- Breast or nipple redness, flaking, thickening or dryness
"I encourage my patients to do their own breast exams on a monthly basis, and keep their breast imaging up to date with annual mammograms starting at age 40. If you are concerned, contact your doctor," said Dr. Crozier.
Trusted treatments
"The most common first-line treatment for breast pain is conservative and includes physical support, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and manipulation of hormone-based medications for those who take them," said Dr. Damidi. "But if the pain becomes more frequent, is ongoing, or is accompanied by other symptoms, call your doctor. If the pain is accompanied by lightheadedness, nausea, severe headache or difficulty breathing, call 911."
Have questions about pain you are experiencing? Baptist Primary Care physicians are ready to answer them! Call 904.202.4YOU or click here to find the right physician for you.