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What Causes Painful Lump On Rib Cage?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015
Question: I have a lump at the top center of my rib cage. It's not hard but hurts with a deep breath, bending down, coughing and to touch. I didn't bump it or anything and it's not black and blue just a slight lump. Could it be a pulled muscle? Any help will be appreciated
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Answered by Dr. Rishi (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It would be a Lipoma or a Dermoid cyst.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I have not exactly understood where it is. Could you send a picture pointing to where it is.

The commonest swellings in chest and sternum areas are Lipomas and Dermoid cysts. both are benign and you need not worry about either of them. Without examining you it is difficult to say what it is. I suggest you consult a Surgeon who can examine you.

If it is a Lipoma nothing needs to be done. If it is a Dermoid cyst then better to get it removed by a small operation. If after examinaton it is not certain what it is then an FNAC can be done. It is a test in which they insert a small needle and aspirate cells from it which are examined under a microscope to know what is inside.

Do not worry. It would be easily manageable.
Do let me know if there are other queries that I can help you with.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Rishi

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1312 Questions

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What Causes Painful Lump On Rib Cage?

Brief Answer: It would be a Lipoma or a Dermoid cyst. Detailed Answer: Hi. I have not exactly understood where it is. Could you send a picture pointing to where it is. The commonest swellings in chest and sternum areas are Lipomas and Dermoid cysts. both are benign and you need not worry about either of them. Without examining you it is difficult to say what it is. I suggest you consult a Surgeon who can examine you. If it is a Lipoma nothing needs to be done. If it is a Dermoid cyst then better to get it removed by a small operation. If after examinaton it is not certain what it is then an FNAC can be done. It is a test in which they insert a small needle and aspirate cells from it which are examined under a microscope to know what is inside. Do not worry. It would be easily manageable. Do let me know if there are other queries that I can help you with. Take care. Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX