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Published on: 7/14/2026

What might cause chest pain on the right side above the breast?

Chest pain above the right breast is often linked to conditions affecting the chest wall or breast tissue. Common causes include:

  • Costochondritis – inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone
  • Scapulothoracic bursitis – irritation of the bursa between the shoulder blade and rib cage
  • Pleurisy – inflammation of the lining around the lungs
  • Mastitis – infection or inflammation of the breast tissue

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, pinpointing the cause on your own can be difficult—and delaying care can make things worse. The fastest way to get clarity is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll receive personalized insights about what may be behind your pain and clear guidance on the right next steps, whether that's self-care at home or seeing a doctor soon.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

There are several reasons you might feel pain above your right breast. One possible cause is costochondritis, an inflammation where your ribs join the breastbone, which can lead to sharp chest pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing. Pleurisy, which is inflammation of the thin tissue lining your lungs, can also cause pain that is worsened by breathing. Other, more serious conditions, such a blood clot in the lungs can also cause right sided chest pain. Additionally, in some cases, acute mastitis—infection or inflammation of the breast tissue—can produce localized chest pain, particularly in women who are breastfeeding. It is important to pay attention to any other symptoms you may have, such as fever, increased pain when taking a deep breath, or worsening symptoms over time. If you experience these signs, you should speak with a healthcare provider so they can evaluate your condition and recommend the proper treatment. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms.

(References)

  • Boneti C, Arentz C, Klimberg VS. Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast and chest wall pain: underrecognized and undertreated. Ann Surg Oncol. 2010 Oct;17 Suppl 3:321-4. doi: 10.1245/s10434-010-1232-8. Epub 2010 Sep 19. PMID: 20853053.

  • Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. 2024 Apr 20. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30422526.

  • Hunter MP, Goldin J, Regunath H. Pleurisy. 2024 Nov 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32644384.

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