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Published on: 7/14/2026

What could be causing chest pain on the right side under the breast?

Right-side chest pain under the breast is often caused by chest wall conditions such as costochondritis (inflammation of the rib cartilage) or muscle strain from overuse or injury. In some cases, the discomfort may stem from breast tissue itself, including hormonal changes, cysts, or mastitis. Less commonly, it can signal issues involving the lungs, gallbladder, or digestive system, so persistent or severe pain should not be ignored.

Because the causes range from mild to potentially serious, identifying the source of your pain quickly matters. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms and clear guidance on next steps—so you can act with confidence, not guesswork.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

When you feel pain on the right side of your chest just under the breast, it may be due to a problem with the structures outside of your heart. One common cause is costochondritis. This happens when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed, and it often causes sharp or aching pain in a specific spot. Muscle strain from physical activities or injuries can also result in chest wall pain in that area.

Another possibility is that the pain comes from the breast tissue itself. Changes in breast tissue, whether related to hormonal shifts or benign conditions, can sometimes be felt as pain under the breast. It is also possible that issues like trauma or even nerve irritation could be contributing to the discomfort.

Because chest pain can have many causes, it is a good idea to get personalized guidance. You can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort, and then follow up with a doctor who can take a closer look at your symptoms, ask questions about the pain, and help decide if you need further tests or treatment.

(References)

  • Updated 2022 Dec 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470557/

  • Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532931/

  • Hubbard TJ, Sharma A, Ferguson DJ. Breast pain: assessment, management, and referral criteria. Br J Gen Pract. 2020 Jul 30;70(697):419-420. doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X712133. PMID: 32732218; PMCID: PMC7384817.

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