For many individuals, pectus excavatum is primarily a cosmetic concern. However, in more severe cases, it can cause discomfort or lead to health issues. Common symptoms include:
Pectus Excavatum can commonly be diagnosed simply by examining the chest. These tests may include :
Surgery is usually only performed on patients who have moderate to severe signs and symptoms of pectus excavatum. Physical therapy may be beneficial for those who only exhibit minor symptoms and signs. Certain exercises can enhance posture and expand the chest to a greater extent.
Talk to a surgeon about having a silicone insert—similar to a breast implant—placed under your skin to fill in that space if the depression of your breastbone isn't causing any symptoms but you're unhappy with the way it looks.
The names of the surgeons who first developed the two surgical procedures that are most frequently used to treat pectus excavatum are:
The FDA recently approved the use of suction cups to help younger patients with pectus raise their depressed breastbone. This is a potential treatment to stop children's pectus from getting worse as they grow older by using it for 20 to 30 minutes every day
Many adolescents simply want to blend in and appear like their peers. For children with pectus excavatum, this can be extremely challenging. To improve coping abilities, counselling may occasionally be required. There are also online forums and support groups where you can converse with others who are dealing with similar issues.
You might first talk to your primary care physician about the condition if you or your child has pectus excavatum. He or she might suggest that you see a surgeon who specialises in thoracic or paediatric surgery.
Pectus excavatum, often referred to as "sunken chest" or "funnel chest," is a relatively common congenital condition that affects the chest wall. It is characterised by an indentation or depression in the middle of the chest, giving the appearance of the chest being pushed inward. While pectus excavatum is typically a benign condition, it can sometimes lead to physical and emotional concerns. Let's take a closer look at this condition and its implications.
Pectus excavatum is usually present from birth and is thought to arise due to an overgrowth of the connective tissue between the ribs and breastbone (sternum). While the exact cause remains unclear, there can be a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Certain conditions, like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, have been associated with a higher risk of developing pectus excavatum.