Discomfort or pain in the chest area is common. The region behind the right breast is anatomically complex, housing several organs and structures that can contribute to such feelings. Understanding these components clarifies why symptoms arise.
Structures in the Right Chest Area
The area behind the right breast contains various anatomical structures. The rib cage and intercostal muscles provide structural support and facilitate breathing.
Beneath these, the pleura, a double-layered membrane, encases the right lung, which occupies a significant portion of the chest cavity and is responsible for oxygen exchange. Below the lung, the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle, separates the chest from the abdominal cavity.
Directly beneath the diaphragm on the right side are major abdominal organs. The liver, a large organ with numerous metabolic functions, resides primarily in the upper right abdomen, extending somewhat behind the lower ribs. Tucked beneath the liver is the gallbladder, a small organ that stores and concentrates bile. Parts of the stomach and intestines are also located in the upper abdominal region, potentially extending towards the right side.
Common Explanations for Symptoms
Discomfort behind the right breast often stems from common, less serious conditions. Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent cause, such as costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This can result in sharp pain that may worsen with movement or deep breaths. Muscle strains in the chest wall, perhaps from physical activity or persistent coughing, also present as localized pain.
Digestive issues are another common source of discomfort. Acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can cause a burning sensation often felt behind the breastbone, which may extend to the right side. Gas trapped in the digestive tract or general indigestion can also lead to pressure or cramping sensations in the upper abdomen that might be perceived behind the right breast.
Minor respiratory conditions, like pleurisy resulting from a common cold, involve inflammation of the lung lining. This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain, especially during deep inhalation.
Important Medical Considerations
While many causes of discomfort are benign, certain medical conditions affecting the organs behind the right breast warrant attention due to their potential severity. Liver conditions, such as hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can cause pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Gallstones, hardened deposits in the gallbladder, can lead to sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back or right shoulder blade. This pain, known as biliary colic, often occurs after eating.
Lung conditions can also manifest as pain. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can cause chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing. A pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung arteries, causes sharp chest pain that intensifies with deep breathing, alongside shortness of breath.
While heart issues typically present with central or left-sided chest pain, referred pain can sometimes be felt on the right side. Breast-specific concerns like mastitis, an inflammation or infection of the breast tissue, can cause pain, swelling, and redness. A breast lump, though often benign, should also be evaluated, as it can be a symptom of breast cancer.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Understanding when to seek professional medical advice for symptoms behind the right breast is important. If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening pain that lasts more than a few minutes, it is advisable to seek immediate medical help. This is particularly true if the pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or if it spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, or back.
Other concerning symptoms include a high fever, unexplained weight loss, or persistent symptoms that do not improve. Changes in breast appearance, such as new lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or redness, should also prompt a medical evaluation.
A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as imaging or blood tests. These steps help determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.