How To Treat The Pain Caused In The Sternum For A Person Having Bilateral Mastectomy?
I was diagnosed with Stage 2A breast cancer in February 2011. I have had a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy and now have saline breast implants. For the past few days, I have been experiencing pain between the 5th and 6th ribs to the left of my sternum. The pain is worse when I breathe. Is this costochondritis? A problem with the implants? Metastasis? Please give me your thoughts. Thank you.
The pain in costochondritis is typically in the front of chest next to the sternum and might cause lot of distress. It is a sharp pain.
Breast implants can cause irritation of the nerves in the anterior chest wall causing pain perception. This pain is more localized to the area where implants are present and usually does not radiate to other places.
Metastasis is pain due to bone destruction. This is diffuse pain which increases on palpation and focused on the area overlying the bone.
It is suggested that you get a chest X ray or CT scan done to evaluate in detail the cause and nature of problem leading to the pain.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
How To Treat The Pain Caused In The Sternum For A Person Having Bilateral Mastectomy?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. The pain in costochondritis is typically in the front of chest next to the sternum and might cause lot of distress. It is a sharp pain. Breast implants can cause irritation of the nerves in the anterior chest wall causing pain perception. This pain is more localized to the area where implants are present and usually does not radiate to other places. Metastasis is pain due to bone destruction. This is diffuse pain which increases on palpation and focused on the area overlying the bone. It is suggested that you get a chest X ray or CT scan done to evaluate in detail the cause and nature of problem leading to the pain.