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Are Left-sided Swelling Above The Rib Cage And Arm Numbness Normal?
Question: For about 4 months now the left side of my body right above my rib cage has had noticeable swelling. It's like the side of my left chest not my actual chest. Also I have noticed that my left arm goes numb and get pins and needles when I'm laying on my back in bed browsing through my phone. Never happens to right arm and nothing's swollen on my right side. What could this be?
Brief Answer:
neuroma ?
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting the query.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.
From the symptoms that you have stated,it seems that the swelling may be a neuroma. This is a soft tissue swelling comprising of a nervous tissue.
Typically,if the nerves supplying the arm are affected,then this can cause the arm to experience pins and needles along with numbness.
I would suggest you to get an Xray / MRI of the region to find out the extent of the swelling and its connectivity to the nervous tissue.
An Electromyography and Nerve conduction study of the left upper limb is recommended.
A nerve compression in the neck also can cause similar symptoms and needs to be ruled out by an MRI of the cervical spine.
I hope the answer was useful.
Get back to me once the reports are ready so that i can guide you further.
Thank you.
Best wishes.
neuroma ?
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting the query.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.
From the symptoms that you have stated,it seems that the swelling may be a neuroma. This is a soft tissue swelling comprising of a nervous tissue.
Typically,if the nerves supplying the arm are affected,then this can cause the arm to experience pins and needles along with numbness.
I would suggest you to get an Xray / MRI of the region to find out the extent of the swelling and its connectivity to the nervous tissue.
An Electromyography and Nerve conduction study of the left upper limb is recommended.
A nerve compression in the neck also can cause similar symptoms and needs to be ruled out by an MRI of the cervical spine.
I hope the answer was useful.
Get back to me once the reports are ready so that i can guide you further.
Thank you.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Could it be that have a heat problem or failing heart? Or from what I'm telling you don't think so?
Brief Answer:
Not related to heart
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
From the symptoms it is very less likely that this may be due to a failing heart.
Heart realted diseases usually cause chest pain,breathlessness,palpitations,dyspnoea ,hypertension etc.
You do not have any of these symptoms.
So,i do not feel that this may be related to a heart problem.
Thank you.
Not related to heart
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
From the symptoms it is very less likely that this may be due to a failing heart.
Heart realted diseases usually cause chest pain,breathlessness,palpitations,dyspnoea ,hypertension etc.
You do not have any of these symptoms.
So,i do not feel that this may be related to a heart problem.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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