Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 27, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a Caved in Chest

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pectus Excavatum: This is a congenital condition characterized by a sunken chest, which can give the appearance of a "caved in" chest. It is the most common congenital deformity of the chest wall.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Scoliosis or Kyphosis: These spinal deformities can cause an abnormal curvature of the spine, leading to a chest that appears caved in.
  • Chronic Respiratory Disease: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to a barrel chest or a sunken chest appearance due to chronic lung inflation or deflation.
  • Muscular Dystrophy: Certain types of muscular dystrophy, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, can cause muscle weakness leading to a caved-in chest appearance.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Traumatic Chest Injury: A severe chest injury, such as a flail chest, can cause a caved-in appearance and is a medical emergency.
  • Tumor or Cancer: A tumor or cancer in the chest, such as a mediastinal tumor, can cause a caved-in chest appearance and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Rickets or Osteomalacia: These conditions, caused by vitamin D deficiency, can lead to softening of the bones, resulting in a caved-in chest appearance.
  • Marfan Syndrome: This genetic disorder can cause a variety of skeletal abnormalities, including a caved-in chest.
  • Poland Syndrome: A rare congenital condition characterized by underdevelopment of the chest muscle and other abnormalities, which can cause a caved-in chest appearance.

Related Questions

What is the treatment plan for a child with diarrhea?
What helps manage extreme anger in a person experiencing Xanax (alprazolam) psychosis or withdrawal?
What is the treatment approach for atypical cells, specifically cancer cells, present in the blood?
What is the management strategy for patients with porphyria?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question