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Had Mediastinal Tumor Removed. Had Chest Tube Placed. Noticed Swelling Under The Rib Cage. Remedy?
Question: i am 46, female, slightly over weight, non- smoker. I recently had a mediastinal tumor removed. i had a chest tube placed on my right side. its almost 3 months post surgery and Ive noticed that under my rib cage there seems to be some swelling. It is getting larger. about a month ago i had a CT scan and ultrasound of that particular area done. My surgeon suspected fluid. But all the tests came back negative yet I am concerned. I get occasional sharp pain in that area. this worries me. Is there another test I can ask about? Its disheartening when my GP and surgeon both say they have no idea what is is.
Brief Answer:
It could be soft tissue edema.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Normally chest tube will be removed once it is confirmed that there is no fluid in the pleural cavity,i.e,space surrounding lungs.
Eventhough fluid is collected in the pleura,it causes pain and difficulty in breathing,but not as collection below ribcage.If at all fluid is present,it will be confirmed by ultrasound and CT.
As fluid is not there,it could be soft tissue edema or air that has leaked into the layers (subcutaneous emphysema)beneath the skin below ribcage.both will subside gradually.
If there is infection,there will be pain and redness.
The bestway to confirm it is to put a widebore needle into the swelling and aspirate.The content will give a clue.Insist your doctor to do this under local anaesthesia.
If nothing is aspirated,it could be simple soft tissue swelling or air inside.
If you have any queries, i will clarify further
Regards
It could be soft tissue edema.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Normally chest tube will be removed once it is confirmed that there is no fluid in the pleural cavity,i.e,space surrounding lungs.
Eventhough fluid is collected in the pleura,it causes pain and difficulty in breathing,but not as collection below ribcage.If at all fluid is present,it will be confirmed by ultrasound and CT.
As fluid is not there,it could be soft tissue edema or air that has leaked into the layers (subcutaneous emphysema)beneath the skin below ribcage.both will subside gradually.
If there is infection,there will be pain and redness.
The bestway to confirm it is to put a widebore needle into the swelling and aspirate.The content will give a clue.Insist your doctor to do this under local anaesthesia.
If nothing is aspirated,it could be simple soft tissue swelling or air inside.
If you have any queries, i will clarify further
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I understand about possible trapped air, but shouldn't it start to subside 3 months after surgery? The swelling has grown and doubled in size. What about the sharp pain?
Brief Answer:
Pain is due to the swelling
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Air will be absorbed within few days,does not require 3 months.
If the swelling is in a tight area,there will be sharp pain.
Just aspirate with a wide bore needle.
The content will be confirmed.
Wish you good health
Regards
Pain is due to the swelling
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Air will be absorbed within few days,does not require 3 months.
If the swelling is in a tight area,there will be sharp pain.
Just aspirate with a wide bore needle.
The content will be confirmed.
Wish you good health
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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