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Have A Large Vertical Lump Extending From The Bottom Of Sternum To The Top Of Belly Button. Any Ideas?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Nov 2012
Question: I have a large vertical lump that extends from the bottom of my sternum to the top of my belly button. Can really see it when I arch my back (looks like a large 4 inch teardrop). Tends to be more prominent when I gain weight and diet poorly. Any ideas what this may be? I did visit my tissue.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Charles S Narasi (2 hours later)
Hello, XXXXXXX,
I can really get a graphic from your description.
The prominent muscle in the front of the abdomen
is called the "Rectus Muscle". Usually, there is no gap
between the right and left portions of this muscle.
If there is a significant gap, which is called
"Divarication Recti", that almost acts like a "Hernia"
through which the intestines can protrude with strain
or arching back.You can see how that can happen.
In most people, this is minor and does not require
any intervention.If the defect is large,and symptomatic,
Surgery may be needed to repair the defect by
inserting a "Mesh" to close the defect.
I wish you well.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Charles S Narasi

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1962

Answered : 693 Questions

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Have A Large Vertical Lump Extending From The Bottom Of Sternum To The Top Of Belly Button. Any Ideas?

Hello, XXXXXXX,
I can really get a graphic from your description.
The prominent muscle in the front of the abdomen
is called the "Rectus Muscle". Usually, there is no gap
between the right and left portions of this muscle.
If there is a significant gap, which is called
"Divarication Recti", that almost acts like a "Hernia"
through which the intestines can protrude with strain
or arching back.You can see how that can happen.
In most people, this is minor and does not require
any intervention.If the defect is large,and symptomatic,
Surgery may be needed to repair the defect by
inserting a "Mesh" to close the defect.
I wish you well.