What Kind of Doctor Treats Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum, often referred to as “funnel chest,” is a congenital condition where the breastbone (sternum) is sunken into the chest, giving it a concave or inward appearance. While pectus excavatum is often noticed during childhood or adolescence, it can remain undiagnosed for many years, especially when the symptoms are mild. As the condition progresses, it can lead to both physical and psychological effects, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or self-esteem issues.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pectus excavatum, you might be wondering what kind of doctor specializes in treating this condition. In this blog, we will explore the types of doctors who diagnose, manage, and treat pectus excavatum, including when to see a specialist and the treatment options available.

What Is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum occurs when the ribs and sternum grow abnormally, leading to a concave appearance in the chest. The severity of the condition can range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing little to no symptoms, while others may face more significant complications. In severe cases, the condition can affect the heart and lungs, leading to functional problems.

Some common symptoms of pectus excavatum include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Visible deformity in the chest, particularly when viewed from the side

Though pectus excavatum may not always cause major physical problems, it can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem due to the visible chest deformity.

Types of Doctors Who Treat Pectus Excavatum

Several specialists may be involved in the treatment of pectus excavatum, depending on the severity of the condition and any associated health concerns. Let’s take a closer look at the key types of doctors involved in diagnosing and treating pectus excavatum:

Thoracic Surgeon

A thoracic surgeon is a specialist who deals with surgeries related to the chest, including the lungs, heart, and other organs in the thoracic cavity. For patients with moderate to severe pectus excavatum,A Best Thoracic Surgeon in India is the specialist who can perform surgical correction to enhance the chest’s appearance and address any related health issues.

The two most common surgical procedures used to treat pectus excavatum are:

• Nuss Procedure: A minimally invasive surgery where a curved metal bar is inserted under the rib cage to push the sternum outward. This bar is typically left in place for two to three years before being removed.
  
• Ravitch Procedure: A more invasive surgery where the surgeon removes the abnormal cartilage from the ribs and repositions the sternum to correct the deformity. This procedure is often performed in cases of more severe pectus excavatum.

Thoracic surgeons may also perform less invasive procedures if the condition is diagnosed early and there are fewer complications.

Pediatrician

For children and adolescents, the first doctor to consult is often a pediatrician. Pediatricians are medical professionals who specialize in the healthcare of children from birth through adolescence. A pediatrician can assess whether the chest deformity is mild or more severe and will monitor the progression of the condition.

If a pediatrician suspects pectus excavatum or if the child is experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, they will refer the patient to a pediatric specialist, such as a pediatric pulmonologist or pediatric surgeon, for further evaluation and treatment.

Pediatric Pulmonologist

A pediatric pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating lung conditions in children. Since pectus excavatum can affect lung function, especially in severe cases, a pediatric pulmonologist plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of the condition. They can conduct tests to measure lung function, such as pulmonary function tests (PFTs) or a chest X-ray, to determine whether the deformity is impacting respiratory health.

If pectus excavatum is causing breathing issues or other pulmonary problems, the pediatric pulmonologist will work closely with a pediatric surgeon to develop a treatment plan.

Pediatric Cardiologist

In some cases, pectus excavatum can lead to heart-related symptoms or concerns. This is because the chest deformity can put pressure on the heart, potentially affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. A pediatric cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in heart conditions in children.

If there is any indication that pectus excavatum is causing heart problems—such as palpitations, chest pain, or difficulty with physical exertion—a pediatric cardiologist may conduct a variety of tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or stress tests, to assess the impact of the condition on the heart.

Plastic Surgeon

In some cases, especially when the cosmetic appearance of the chest is a concern, a plastic surgeon may be consulted. After surgery to correct pectus excavatum, a plastic surgeon may help address any scarring or deformities related to the surgical procedure. Additionally, plastic surgeons may be involved if the patient is seeking minimally invasive methods of improving the appearance of their chest without extensive surgery.

Plastic surgeons who specialize in chest reconstruction can provide treatments to refine the chest’s appearance and ensure the patient is satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Since pectus excavatum is a skeletal condition, an orthopedic surgeon may also be involved in its treatment. They can assess how the deformity might be affecting the musculoskeletal system, including the ribs, spine, and posture. In some cases, pectus excavatum is associated with other musculoskeletal conditions, such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and an orthopedic surgeon may play a role in treating these related issues.

Psychologist or Counselor

The psychological impact of pectus excavatum can be significant, especially for teenagers and young adults who may experience body image issues due to the visible deformity. In some cases, patients may struggle with self-esteem or anxiety because of their chest appearance. A psychologist or counselor can help manage these emotions, providing strategies for coping with body image concerns, social anxiety, and any mental health issues that arise due to the condition.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you suspect that you or your child may have pectus excavatum, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications later on and provide access to treatment options that can improve quality of life.

Signs that you should seek medical attention include:

• Visible sunken chest or abnormal chest appearance
• Difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion
• Chest pain or discomfort
• A history of heart problems or shortness of breath

Conclusion

Pectus excavatum is a condition that requires the attention of several healthcare specialists. From pediatricians who begin the diagnostic process to thoracic surgeons who may perform corrective surgery, there are many doctors involved in the management and treatment of this condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with pectus excavatum, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. A thorough evaluation by the appropriate specialists can lead to a better quality of life and improved physical and emotional well-being.

If you’re concerned about pectus excavatum, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who can guide you through the process of diagnosis and treatment, ensuring you or your loved one gets the care they need.