Conditions
Funnel Chest
This condition is variously known as cobbler’s chest, sunken chest or pectus excavatum. It is caused when several ribs grow abnormally, leaving the chest to cave in. Although some may see this as a purely cosmetic issue, it can cause pain in the chest and the back as well as impairing cardiac and respiratory function. Although it’s cause is not fully understood, there is evidence of a genetic connection. Treatment can include surgery through the Ravitch or Nuss techniques, as well as the insertion of a vacuum bell to correct the abnormality.
Comments and Questions
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I have had surgery on my chest for this when I was 15 if you have any questions about it I'd be happy to answer them.
I'm 17 years old, and I never thought anything was wrong with my chest. I thought it was normal until a few weeks ago when someone pointed out that my chest caved in abnormally. I asked around and none of my female friends experienced this, all of their chests are flat. I never thought it was odd that my bra didn't make contact with my skin on the bottom. Recently, when I lay down my ribs stick out, leading people to (playfully, never hurtfully) call me "four boobs." They just thought I was too skinny, and that's why my ribs stuck out abnormally far. I guess I should have noticed the shortness of breath I experience much more easily than my peers, I guess I just equated that as a need to visit the g more frequently. The condition does not bother me cosmetically, as I never even knew this was abnormal until lately, but I'm wondering if there will be any negative long term health effects, and in that case, should I inquire about surgery?
Im 15 and i have got the same problem i get chest pains everyday shortness of breath, And my GP has sent me to leeds but the doctors cant do anything until im 16 and when i leave school. But is there another way apart from surgery?? And does the surgery cost alot of money??
Hi there I have just been to the doctors with my 11 year old son, they have said he has this sunken chest also. but no follow up apt needed or any tests etc to see how bad it is. What is the officailly diagnosis route.....should they be doing tests to see how bad it is? can anyone help?
my son as pectus excavatum (sunken chest)hes 19 next i would keep going to doctors and get this sorted my son is hopefully going in for surgery in november this yr dependin how bad it is they normally do all tests then say wots best option
Ask for a ct scan to see how bad it is. I went when I were 17 and they they fobbed me off. Had a ct scan when I were 33 and needed surgery to correct it. It's been a nightmare.
I think i have this condition people always call me 4 boobs, i recently been getting pain in my chest and palpitation could this be the cause? i have also had breast implants now and want to know has this made it worse
I expect that whoever gave you breast implants would've taken the possibility that you have pectus excavatum into consideration. However, if you are in pain then you should consult a doctor straight away.
Hello, i am 15 year old George, i have a dent in chest and it is afecting my confidence and i have stopped going to the pool and stopped going out with my friends because i fell very stupid and silly. I would love you to help me and find a solution for this problem... What can you advise me to do ? Thank you !
hey george i am 15 and have a sunken chest too. one of the best things i have found is to try and work out your pectorial muscles and abbs this significantly improves he look of the chest and can boost self confidence in yourself
my 15 year old daughter has funnel chest & it is affecting her self esteem and confidence. she cries about it and so we took her to our GP. the GP stated that she was too young and that there was no money available on the NHS for cosmetic procedures & basically all they could offer was counselling. We were not happy with the advice & pointed out that she occasionally felt pain & discomfort to which we were told that this was due to her asthma & not funnel chest. can anyone offer any advice please because we are not at all happy with the advice from our GP?
Hi Michael, I know exactly how your daughter feels because I am a 25 yr old female born with funnel chest. I would suggest getting a second opinion. I was 15 when I had corrective surgery performed on me. The only way they will operate is if they see it medically necessary. My sternum was so deeply caved into my chest it was pressuring my heart and lungs and made it hard to breathe and do normal exercise. I also suffered with back pain. When they did the surgery it helped a lot. I still have my chest a little bit caved in but I would say it's a 75% improvement. The only advice I can suggest is taking her to a different physican for a second opinion. Good luck and let your daughter know that she is not alone.
My 16 year old brother seems to have this condition. he is already very conscious of it, i try and encourage him to stand with his back straight and shoulders back as i think it could worsen it if he slouches forward. is there any sort of exercise that could help the look of it?
Can anyone tell me if my 10 year old daughter will need treatmnet/surgery on her very sunken chest to allow her breasts to develop properly during puberty?
Hi Magz, only your GP or a specialist can say if surgery will be required for health reasons, but in terms of breast development, I would not worry too much. I was always a slight girl and my sunken chest actually had the added benefit that it was a sort of "false cleavage". Though even at 40 years old now, my breast are not large (A cup), they appear more so because of my sunken chest (been mistaken for a large B or small C cup). One issue is do have is finding a bra that fits comfortably as my ribs are a bit sharply angled as a result. Underwires are very uncomfortable. Take the time with your daughter to find a properly fitting bra when she is developing and she will be much more comfortable and should not be embarrassed about her sunken chest. As I mentioned, it does have benefits! I can sleep comfortably on my belly even though it looks like I have a large bosom!
Can anyone tell me if my 10 year old daughter will need treatmnet/surgery on her very sunken chest to allow her breasts to develop properly during puberty?
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