Category Archives: Thoracic Surgery

Main Symptoms of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma is a slow-growing lung cancer that starts deep in the small airways. Early symptoms mimic a cold, so many people ignore the first warning signs. Dry cough is the hallmark. It hangs around for weeks, won’t clear with cough syrup, and tends to get worse at night. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff climbing one flight of stairs or can’t finish a sentence without pausing. Chest pain shows up later. It feels like a dull, heavy weight or a sharp stab when you breathe deep or cough. Blood-tinged sputum is a red flag. You may notice pink... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Rib Fracture

A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the ribs. It usually happens after a fall, a car accident, or a hard hit to the chest. The main symptom is sharp pain that gets worse when you breathe, cough, or move. Sharp pain is the hallmark. It feels like a knife stab when you take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, or roll over in bed. Tenderness is pinpoint. Pressing on the injured rib hurts, and you can often feel the exact spot with your finger. Swelling and bruising show up fast. The skin around the rib puffs... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a fancy name for irritation where the ribs meet the breast-bone. It’s common, harmless, and hurts enough to make people worry they’re having a heart attack. Sharp chest pain is the star. It stabs along one side of the breast-bone, especially when you take a deep breath, cough, roll over, or reach for the car seat-belt. Tenderness to touch is classic. Press on the rib edge and you find a sore spot about the size of a fingertip. Pain increases with movement. It spikes when you stretch, lift, or twist, then eases when you stay still. No shortness... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Mediastinal Disease

The mediastinum is the central chest compartment between the lungs. When something grows or inflames there, it pushes on nearby airways, vessels, and nerves, so symptoms feel “deep” and hard to pinpoint. Chest pressure is the hallmark. It feels like a weight or tight band behind the breastbone, worse with deep breaths or lying flat. Dry cough shows up early. It’s hacking and non-productive, caused by the mass irritating the airway. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff climbing one flight or can’t finish a sentence while walking. Hoarseness or voice change appears if the tumor presses on the nerve... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum is a chest-wall defect where the breastbone sinks inward, creating a “funnel” or “sunken chest.” It usually shows up in early teens and can worsen during growth spurts. Sunken center is the hallmark. The middle of the chest caves in, especially when you stand up straight or take a deep breath. Tenderness occurs. The depressed bone and nearby cartilage feel sore after sports or when pressed. Posture slumps. Kids roll their shoulders forward to hide the dent, which can lead to back pain over time. Shortness of breath shows up with activity. You puff faster than friends or... Learn more