What Causes Sternum Pain?
Jan 09, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wen Zhijun
Introduction
If there is a clear history of trauma, sternal injury or soft tissue injury in the sternal region is typically considered. In the absence of a definite traumatic history, unexplained sternal pain or tenderness raises suspicion for hematologic disorders. Pain located behind the sternum generally warrants evaluation for esophageal disease, mediastinal disorders, or cardiac conditions.
Sternum pain, when associated with a clear history of trauma, is typically attributed to sternal injury or soft tissue injury in the sternal region.
In the absence of a definite traumatic history, unexplained sternum pain or tenderness raises suspicion for hematologic disorders—such as anemia, aplastic anemia, or leukemia. Pain localized behind the sternum warrants evaluation for esophageal, mediastinal, or cardiac conditions—including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction.
Another group of patients experiences pain on both sides of the sternum, commonly due to costosternal joint inflammation or costochondritis. Therefore, individuals presenting with sternum pain are advised to seek medical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic testing to establish a definitive diagnosis.
