Benign Chest Wall Disorders

Pain that occurs in the chest wall can be debilitating and difficult to treat. If you have pain in the chest, be certain to consult your doctor. Your doctor can determine if you have a benign chest wall disorder or a more serious condition.

Costochondritis

• Costochondritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the chest wall. Symptoms of costochondritis may include pain in the sternum, difficulty breathing, pain when coughing and pain when inhaling deeply. While the symptoms of this condition mimic heart attack symptoms, it is a benign condition. An injury, physical strain, infection, upper respiratory illness and fibromyalgia are some of the causes of costochondritis.

Tietze's Syndrome

• Tietze's syndrome is a condition that affects the chest wall. It causes pain in the area of the chest that connects the ribs to the breastbone. The symptoms of Tietze's syndrome may include inflammation, tenderness of the chest and swelling of the affected area. Unlike costochondritis, which is usually short in duration, Tietze's syndrome can become chronic and last for months or even years.

Benign Tumor

• A benign tumor of the chest wall originates in the bone or muscle of the chest wall. There are no clear causes of benign chest wall tumors; however, it is thought to be hereditary. Some of the symptoms associated with chest wall tumors may be pain in the chest, a lump in the chest and muscle atrophy.

Chest Wall Deformities

• A chest wall deformity is a condition in which the chest is shaped abnormally. The two main types of chest wall deformities are pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Pectus excavatum makes the chest appear sunken in. Pectus carinatum makes the chest protrude forward. Surgery may be necessary to correct either of these conditions.

Considerations

• Many benign chest wall disorders may cause the same symptoms of serious heart conditions such as a heart attack. If you have chest pain, take it seriously and contact your doctor.