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Have A Small Lump On Sternum. It Is Spongy To Touch With Unpleasant Smell. What It Could Be?

Posted on Thu, 25 Oct 2012

Question: Hi, I have a small lump on my sternum (in the middle) which appeared a couple of years ago, just after a relationship ended. It's about the size of a small, flattened pea and has not changed in size. It feels sort of spongey to the touch. Lately, it seems to be emitting an unpleasant smell, especially when I am under stress. I wonder what it could be?

Answered by Dr. Ghaly (1 hour later)

HI,

Thanks for posting your query.

It is most likely lipoma if it did not change in size and not painful. You can either leave it or if it is cosmetically annoying it can be surgically removed. In both cases it is benign.

Do write back for follow up queries that you may have,

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ghaly (1 hour later)

Why does it smell?

Answered by Dr. Ghaly (6 hours later)

There is no medical explanation for presence of unpleasant smell at times of stress. However if unpleasant smell is constant we need to rule out an infected lipoma or infected sebaceous cyst.

Hope this answers your query. Let me know if you have other concerns.

Regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad