Inflammation of the sternum (Tietze syndrome)
There is no inflammation in the sternum itself. However, it is possible that the joints connecting the ribs to the sternum become inflamed. It is assumed that the so-called Tietze syndrome, a painful disease of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, is caused by inflammation.
In addition to the pain, there is also swelling in the area of the affected joints (usually the cartilaginous joint of the 2nd -5th rib). But not only the rib joints (sternocostal joints) can be inflamed, also in the area behind the sternum, the so-called mediastinum, an inflammation can occur (mediastinitis), which then manifests itself among other things with pain in the sternum. However, as the lungs, oesophagus and heart are also affected, symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever and cardiac arrhythmia usually dominate. Although the inflammation is associated with a high mortality rate, the sternum itself is hardly affected by the inflammation.
Tumor on the sternum
A tumour on the sternum is a space requirement in the area of the sternum. Tumours are divided into three different categories, each of which occupies about one third of the space. There are benign tumours, malignant tumours and tumours that are primarily located in another organ and have spread to the sternum (metastases).
The benign tumours tend to be less aggressive and grow more slowly. They are also locally limited and scatter less into the surrounding tissue. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, are more aggressive and grow quickly.
This distinction can be made by histological examination, which can also determine the exact origin of the tumour. In most cases, a tumour in the area of the sternum is a chance finding, which is discovered in an MRI or CT. In rare cases, when the tumour is already very large, patients feel the tumour themselves and then go to the doctor.
Once a tumour has been diagnosed, surgery usually follows. This involves removing the tumour with the affected part of the sternum. Chemotherapy is often not carried out, although the type of tumour is important.
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