What Causes Tender Area In Left Breast And Armpit?

Posted on Mon, 25 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : For about a week I have had a tender area in my left breast area radiating into my armpit. It is uncomfortable to even sleep on that side. This morning I awoke to not only have the tenderness and pain in that area, but I can tell there is quite a bit of swelling in the armpit area or directly below. I don't know if it is related , but I have been dealing with a cough and some kind of head congestion for about a month. It is a non productinve dry type of cough, but I can barely talk without coughing. It is like a tickle in the back of my throat. In fact my doctor gave me some antibiotics a couple weeks ago that did nothing to help. My overall feeling is poor. I feel flushed and maybe have a slight fever. I am totally exhausted all the time. I guess I need to go back to my doctor with this swelling and sore area. What are your thoughts? I am a 61 year old married male. thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ganesh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bacterial infection / lung pathology.

Detailed Answer:
welcome to Health care magic.
Dr Ganesh

1.Tender area in the breast giving radiation pain - possible cause of infective aetiology (abscess / infective collection/folliculitis) in the chest wall with axillary region swelling / arm pit area, can think interns of lymph nodal enlargement.

2. Related chest symptoms,cough and breathlessness make to think towards of lung pathology.

3. If you are my patient i would have start in this way - examine you to see if there is any lump / collection in the breast region and axillary region - if there is any mass i would go for ultrasound scan for further evaluation.

4. If no mass felt in the breast area - would think in terms of lung pathology and chest wall involvement. For which initially a x-ray chest PA view ( grossly it will give an idea, presence of any pathology) after that if required CECT chest for better evaluation (contrast enhanced computer tomography - CECT). Depending in the findings further treatment.

5.So i would recommend to see your GP and get the needful investigations and treatment done. Good luck.

Hope it helps you. Wish you a good health.
Anything to ask ? do not hesitate. Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ganesh (37 minutes later)

thank you. I am going to my gp tomorrow and try to get to the bottom of this. I feel miserable and can barely do my work. He did a chest xray about a month ago and found nothing. I hope this time he test me more thoroughly and though I don't want him to find something horrible, I can't keep going on this way. thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ganesh (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:

Good you have planned to see your GP
Good luck - Hope the best.

Thank you again.
Dr Ganesh.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D