Costochondritis

[urbangirl]

Has anybody suffered from this? I have had problems with my rib cage for some months and the symptoms seem to match with costochondritis, especially as I had some trauma to my chest last year. When I have mentioned this discomfort to clinicians they advised this was not associated with my asymptomatic stage 4 NSCLC which was diagnosed in June.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi urbangirl

Welcome to the forum and so sorry to hear you have lung cancer. I assume it was the oncologist that you discussed your symptoms with, that you have with your ribs. It is understandable your concern and hopefully your symptoms will settle down soon.

It may well be Costochondritis, inflammation around the sternum area (middle of your chest) and this is diagnosed based on symptoms, it can be caused by a chest injury and symptoms may be severe pain in the middle of your chest, made worse by moving or breathing in deeply.

However, given your current lung cancer, it would be routine to have a bone scan (which you may already have had) to confirm diagnosis either way. If you have not had a bone scan you could ask your oncologist for your peace of mind, could you have this.

If your pain is getting worse or pain killers are not working, do go back to either your GP or consultant. This link from the NHS is information on Costochondritis: nhs.uk/conditions/costochon...

Hope you feel better soon and if you would like to discuss anything you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[urbangirl in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you! Yes you are right I have discussed this with the oncologist but also respiratory consultant and an emergency respiratory doctor. All have advised the same. I did have a lung biopsy, pneumothorax and chest drain. I had a PET scan in late May which did not identify any bone involvement and I had been having symptoms for a few months then. I am having a CT scan this week to assess the Tagrisso treatment and have an appointment with the oncologist in 2 weeks and will mention it again but might talk to the helpline. I don't actually feel ill, or in pain just uncomfortable in certain positions.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to urbangirl]

Hi urbangirlThat all sounds very reassuring and it is great that they have been thorough in their investigations.

It does take time to settle down and if pain killers are not helping, sometimes a steroid injection can be given , but it will be good to have this re assessed in a few weeks when you have your scan.

Take care of yourself

Ask the nurse

The Roy Castle Support Team