What causes pain in the chest and collarbone area?
Pain in the chest sternum may be related to factors such as costochondritis, injury, or bone tumors.
1. Costochondritis
A common condition caused by bacterial or viral infections leading to cartilage inflammation, or by long-term chronic strain resulting in aseptic inflammation. It is recommended to take medications such as azithromycin tablets or red medicine tablets under medical guidance, and maintain local cleanliness.
2. Injury
When the patient's sternum is subjected to external force, local muscles and soft tissues can become injured. The sternum may fracture under strong impact, causing chest pain, local swelling, subcutaneous bruising, and significant tenderness. Conservative treatment is usually adopted, advising the patient to rest in bed and minimize weight-bearing activities. Severe rib fractures can significantly affect daily life, and a definitive diagnosis can be made effectively through chest X-rays.
3. Bone Tumor
If atypical hyperplasia occurs in the sternum leading to bone tumor formation, a hard mass is often palpable. If nerves are compressed, symptoms such as pain may occur. Treatment options include surgical intervention combined with adjuvant chemotherapy and intralesional excision.
In addition, early-stage breast cancer patients may also experience sternal pain. Regular care and timely examinations are recommended to prevent cancer progression.