Is this Pectus Excavatum or something else? Please help!

[Ben_uk110]

I have had this for a few years now .  Im 5ft 11 , 19 years old and quite skinny so i thought it was just my ribs showing as i was a skinny lad.

I showed my mum tonight and she said its not normal.    I dont think it has ever got any bigger than the size it is now but im getting myself really worried.

Can someone please put me out of worry.  

Here is a picture of my chest and the dent:

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/4215/holeew5.jpg

[Ben_uk110]

I made a visit to the doctor today and the doctor told me that its nothing to worry about.  Sadly this does not bring me any closer and was a bit of a waste of time.

I wanted to know why its there, if it can get worse and ways i can cover up as im not really a fan of the hole.

Im not sure of the next step. Is it worth going to the hospital for a GP to have a look?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Weight gain will not improve your indentation and I doubt that there are any long term consequences from its presence.

[Ben_uk110]

Also, i forgot to add Howard.    I am quite a skinny lad as i mentioned, i eat lots of snacks and things,but dont put on any weight.     Would putting on weight hide this dent in my chest?

[Ben_uk110]

Many thanks for the reply Howard.   I will book an appointment with the local hospital/GP.    I dont think the hole has got any bigger,if it has not by much over my teenage years.   Would i be in any danger if i carried on my life with this indent in my chest?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Your indented area of the chest does demonstrate some deformity of the lower sternum.  There are techniques (and even injectable alternatives that can improve the area).  I would consult with a local plastic surgeon to see what is available in your area.