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What Causes Burning Sensation In Chest Region With Pain Under Armpit Post Hysterectomy?
Question: Hello, I had a total hysterectomy(ovaries removed as well) 2 months ago and for the last two weeks my breast, chest ( burning sensation )and armpit have been hurting. Im not on any hormone drugs. Should I be worried about possible cancer?
Brief Answer:
If you have had a recent mammogram and breast exam, the answer is no.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Breast cancer is generally not painful until it is quite advanced, so it is unlikely that breast cancer is the reason for your pain, unless you had your hysterectomy for some type of gynecologic cancer that is associated with breast cancer (like ovarian cancer) or have another reason to be at additional risk.
If you have not had a mammogram in the last year, I would recommend you get one to be thorough.
However, depending on which side it is on, you may have another medical problem that can cause pain in your chest and armpit. If the pain in on the left side, and you had recent surgery, the most concerning possibility is that you are actually having a problem with your heart or lung. Also stomach problems like ulcers and gastritis can cause left-sided chest pain. The nerves to the area are connected so you can feel pain in your breast from this as well.
On the right, your gallbladder can give you chest pain, and problems with your lung as well.
So I suggest you see your primary care physician and they can refer you for the tests you need to evaluate your situation. Again, if you had a recent evaluation of your breasts, and you did not have your hysterectomy for cancer of the ovary or uterus, it is unlikely to be a breast problem.
If at any point you feel dizzy, short of breath or feel your heart is racing, you should go to the ER promptly or dial 911.
I hope that I answered your question adequately and that my advice was helpful.
If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes, and I hope you feel better, Dr. Brown
If you have had a recent mammogram and breast exam, the answer is no.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Breast cancer is generally not painful until it is quite advanced, so it is unlikely that breast cancer is the reason for your pain, unless you had your hysterectomy for some type of gynecologic cancer that is associated with breast cancer (like ovarian cancer) or have another reason to be at additional risk.
If you have not had a mammogram in the last year, I would recommend you get one to be thorough.
However, depending on which side it is on, you may have another medical problem that can cause pain in your chest and armpit. If the pain in on the left side, and you had recent surgery, the most concerning possibility is that you are actually having a problem with your heart or lung. Also stomach problems like ulcers and gastritis can cause left-sided chest pain. The nerves to the area are connected so you can feel pain in your breast from this as well.
On the right, your gallbladder can give you chest pain, and problems with your lung as well.
So I suggest you see your primary care physician and they can refer you for the tests you need to evaluate your situation. Again, if you had a recent evaluation of your breasts, and you did not have your hysterectomy for cancer of the ovary or uterus, it is unlikely to be a breast problem.
If at any point you feel dizzy, short of breath or feel your heart is racing, you should go to the ER promptly or dial 911.
I hope that I answered your question adequately and that my advice was helpful.
If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes, and I hope you feel better, Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hello Doctor
Thank you for your response. When I went to my primary doctor's office last week, she actually ran a EKG and she advised that it came back normal. She conducted a breast examine and advised that she did not feel that it was an issue with my breast. She thought it could be heartburn. I have my annual mammogram scheduled for tomorrow morning, I requested 3D. The Hysterectomy was due to a large mass in my abdomen(benign). I requested a full hysterectomy because I did not want this to ever happen again. When I had an ultrasound before my Hysterectomy it was noted that I have gallstones but the pain is primarily on the left side. You mentioned the lungs, since having this pain in my breast and chest, I feel at times that I need to take a deep breath, my bra feels tight on my left side and under the left breast(wire bra).
I've been reading on line that Menapouse could also cause breast and armpit pain.
Doctor, I think that I'm just worrying myself to death. I lost my mom 8 months ago to breast cancer and I'm just nervous.
XXXX
Thank you for your response. When I went to my primary doctor's office last week, she actually ran a EKG and she advised that it came back normal. She conducted a breast examine and advised that she did not feel that it was an issue with my breast. She thought it could be heartburn. I have my annual mammogram scheduled for tomorrow morning, I requested 3D. The Hysterectomy was due to a large mass in my abdomen(benign). I requested a full hysterectomy because I did not want this to ever happen again. When I had an ultrasound before my Hysterectomy it was noted that I have gallstones but the pain is primarily on the left side. You mentioned the lungs, since having this pain in my breast and chest, I feel at times that I need to take a deep breath, my bra feels tight on my left side and under the left breast(wire bra).
I've been reading on line that Menapouse could also cause breast and armpit pain.
Doctor, I think that I'm just worrying myself to death. I lost my mom 8 months ago to breast cancer and I'm just nervous.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
I am glad you had evaluation for medically dangerous things already
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It certainly is understandable that you would be concerned if your mother died of breast cancer. However, if she was diagnosed with breast cancer after the age of 50, there is no increased familial risk to you over the risk in the general population.
It is also true that surgical menopause can cause sudden hormone changes, but unless you are taking hormone replacement therapy, it really shouldn't cause breast pain or discomfort, unless you has a significant weight gain since your surgery.
Decreasing caffeine intake and taking evening primrose oil can help with breast pain as well as menopause symptoms.
I really doubt your symptoms are caused by a breast problem, and I hope after your mammogram that you mind may be put more at ease.
I am always available if you have any additional questions after your mammogram evaluation. In the meantime, I would change to a sport bra or one without wires because can help with the pain, even if it caused by stomach acid and bloating, as the wires put pressure on your stomach.
Take care, Dr. Brown
I am glad you had evaluation for medically dangerous things already
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It certainly is understandable that you would be concerned if your mother died of breast cancer. However, if she was diagnosed with breast cancer after the age of 50, there is no increased familial risk to you over the risk in the general population.
It is also true that surgical menopause can cause sudden hormone changes, but unless you are taking hormone replacement therapy, it really shouldn't cause breast pain or discomfort, unless you has a significant weight gain since your surgery.
Decreasing caffeine intake and taking evening primrose oil can help with breast pain as well as menopause symptoms.
I really doubt your symptoms are caused by a breast problem, and I hope after your mammogram that you mind may be put more at ease.
I am always available if you have any additional questions after your mammogram evaluation. In the meantime, I would change to a sport bra or one without wires because can help with the pain, even if it caused by stomach acid and bloating, as the wires put pressure on your stomach.
Take care, Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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