Pectus carinatum is a condition in which the sternum (breastbone) protrudes, or sticks out, more than usual. It is the opposite of pectus excavatum, in which the breastbone is depressed inward and gives the chest a sunken appearance.
Also to know is, what causes the sternum to protrude?
Pectus carinatum, also known as pigeon chest, is a chest wall deformity in which the sternum (breastbone) and ribs protrude. Other names are chest protrusion, protruding chest or protruding sternum. The condition may be caused by excessive growth of cartilage.
One may also ask, what does a lump on your sternum mean? It is also possible for the area to become inflamed, causing a lump to develop around the lower sternum. This lump is a result of inflammation but can often be mistaken for a more serious medical condition, such as a tumor.
Similarly, it is asked, how do you fix a protruding sternum?
Surgical treatment for pectus carinatum often includes a procedure in which a surgeon removes the cartilage that is pushing the breastbone outward. This is done via incision in the middle chest area. Afterward, struts are placed across the chest to support the front of the breastbone and later removed via surgery.
Why is my bone on my chest sticking out?
Pectus carinatum (PC, or pigeon chest) is a chest wall deformity where there is overgrowth of the cartilage between the ribs and the sternum (breastbone), causing the middle of the chest to stick out. PC is usually treated with a brace called a chest orthosis; however, occasionally surgery is required.
19 Related Question Answers Found
Is there a bone in the middle of your chest?
The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury.
What is a sternal mass?
Neoplasms are abnormal growths of tissue. They can occur in almost any area of the body. They’re also called tumors and most often linked with cancer. Mediastinal tumors develop in the mediastinum. The mediastinum is the area in the middle of the chest that lies between the sternum (breastbone) and spinal column.
Why is my xiphoid process sticking out?
This means that for the majority of people, the xiphoid faces inward so there’s no lump on their chests. However, about 5% of people have what is called a “protruding” xiphoid process. For these people, the xiphoid protrudes out of the chest, forming a lump that may look like a tumour.
What causes sternum inflammation?
Costochondritis is the most common cause of sternum pain and occurs when the cartilage between the sternum and ribs becomes inflamed and irritated. Costochondritis can sometimes occur as the result of osteoarthritis but may also happen for no apparent reason.
How do you fix pigeon chest?
Treatment options include chest-wall bracing and/or surgery. Many patients with mild or moderate cases of pectus carinatum experience success with advanced chest-wall braces. Adolescents with more severe or refractory cases of pectus carinatum may require a modified Ravitch surgical repair.
Are pigeon chests dangerous?
Pectus carinatum does not typically cause any serious health problems. It may cause troublesome symptoms in some children, however, including shortness of breath, asthma, pain, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate.
What is the small bony protrusion at the bottom of the breastbone?
The xiphoid process is the smallest region of the sternum, or breastbone. It’s made up of cartilage at birth but develops into bone in adulthood. It’s located where the lower ribs attach to the breastbone. The tip of the xiphoid process resembles a sword.
What is the ball in the middle of my chest?
A chest lump is a protuberance or localized area of swelling on the chest. Chest lumps can be caused by any number of conditions, including infections, inflammation, tumors or trauma. Depending on the cause, chest lumps may be single or multiple, soft or firm, painful or painless.
Are pigeon chests genetic?
Pectus carinatum is a genetic disorder of the chest wall. It makes the chest jut out. The bulging gives the chest a birdlike appearance. That’s why the condition is sometimes called pigeon breast or pigeon chest.
Can pectus Carinatum go away?
Pectus carinatum is a long-term condition that will not go away on its own. By itself, pectus carinatum is not dangerous. It does not cause any symptoms other than the abnormal appearance of the chest, and having it will not make you sick or shorten your lifespan.
Is it possible to be born without a sternum?
CONGENITAL absence of the sternum, or a complete sternal cleft, is a rare chest wall malformation resulting from failed midline fusion during embryonic development. This abnormality can cause significant morbidity and, like other congenital anomalies, can have associated defects.
Does pectus Carinatum get worse with age?
Prognosis. Pectus malformations usually become more severe during adolescent growth years and may worsen throughout adult life. The secondary effects, such as scoliosis and cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, may worsen with advancing age.
Can pigeon chest fix itself?
Pigeon chest is unlikely to get better by itself. In some mild cases, weightlifting and exercise can build muscles in the chest, which can help to mask the shape of the breastbone.
How common is pectus excavatum?
Pectus excavatum occurs in an estimated 1 in 300-400 births, with male predominance (male-to-female ratio of 3:1). Pectus excavatum comprises approximately 90% of all chest wall deformities.
Can you get disability for pectus excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is not a “disability” for VA compensation purposes. 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.303(c), 4.9. Congenital or developmental defects may not be service-connected because they are not diseases or injuries under the law.
Should there be a lump on my sternum?
It is also possible for the area to become inflamed, causing a lump to develop around the lower sternum. This lump is a result of inflammation but can often be mistaken for a more serious medical condition, such as a tumor.
What is the lump on my chest bone?
The most common benign tumors are osteochondromas and chrondromas. The most common malignant chest wall tumors are sarcomas. Primary tumors originate in the bone or muscle of the chest wall. All of these tumors tend to be a lump on the chest wall surface or a growth that invades the bone or muscle.
Can you get a tumor on your sternum?
Tumours of the sternum are rare. They can be primary, metastatic or arise from adjacent tissues. Histologically they can be malignant, benign or inflammatory. Management depends mainly on their histological type, local aggressiveness and the possibility of chest wall reconstruction.
What does a bone cancer lump feel like?
Signs and symptoms of bone cancer persistent bone pain that gets worse over time and continues into the night. swelling and redness (inflammation) over a bone, which can make movement difficult if the affected bone is near a joint. a noticeable lump over a bone. a weak bone that breaks (fractures) more easily than