chest pain

[bram]

I've had a pain in my right breast for about 6 months or so.  It's about 1 inch inside from the nipple.  It just feels sore to the touch and bothers me when I put pressure on it like hugging someone or holding books close to me.  I saw the OBGYN and had a mamogram (mammogram).  The mamogram (mammogram) was ok (Just mentioned dense tissue).  My doctor said maybe it's just bone.  I was wondering if I should persue it further.  What would be a good next step?  Chest x-ray? CT? (I had a bone scan for about one year ago for shoulder pain and it was ok, just some photopenia in the lower sternal body). I want to try to become pregnant soon and would like to see if it's anything to worry about.
Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chest X-ray and chest CT scan are reasonable studies to evaluate for any anatomical abnormality that can lead to the symptoms.

You can consider cardiac causes - which can be evaluated with a stress test and/or echocardiogram.  

Most pulmonary causes can be evaluated with the imaging studies mentioned above.  

An atypical possibility can be a blood clot (i.e. pulmonary embolus), which can be evaluated with a helical CT scan.

THese options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[Francis1]

I am a 41 year old male.  Good health, not overweight, type 2 diabetes (barely recognizable), smoke 1 1/2 packs a day.

I have been diagnosed with panic attacks and take Clonopin as needed.

For the past 3 months I have experienced mild chest pains in my upper left chest area.  Centered above my nipple and close to my shoulder.  The pain sometimes last all day, and sometimes is non-existant.

I had a complete stress test which was negative - the administering dr. called me the bionic man and assured me my heart was fine.  My dr. agreed.

Any ideas here, guys.  The pain is not severe, but most always there.  Genrealized Panic?  Please help.

Warm Regards,

Frank

[zdavis30]

hi, I am following up on your comment about your left chest pain. I too experience similar things. I am only 24, and had the first "attack" about 3 months ago, but have had continued chest pain since. Now, everytime I exercise, or my heart rate goes up, I feel chest pain, and seriously worry. I also had a stress test and EKG, and both came back fine. Does this at all relate to your situation?

thanks for any feedback. I appreciate it.