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What Causes Hard Lump Under Rib Cage?

Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015

Question: I think I had this round fixed hard nodule for awhile under my rib cage; left side. I thought it was SQ but my friend who is also a nurse thinks its deeper. It has started to cause some pain. I have an appointment Thursday just wondered if it has been heard of before by others? I thought a cyst

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload a photo and more details fro proper assessment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I had gone through your question very diligently and I can understand your concern.

Looking at your description it doesn't seem to be a serious condition,
Here, I would like further information for better assessment of the condition
Is it fixed or slipping under the examining finger?
Any discolouration in surrounding skin or presence of any blackish dot?
Exact site and size of the swelling?

If possible upload a photograph.

You need it to worry, it seem to be benign condition, please write back to all the relevant info so that I will be able to tell you more precisely.
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (22 hours later)

Wow, interesting you asked of the discoloration. I am sending a picture Where my finger is is where the nodule is. I would describe it more as fixed. There is a discoloration. It is about one inch horizontal from the nodule. Its a darkened area. You can see it a bit in the picture. The umbilicus is where I had a piercing I no longer have. Havent had it for a year or so. I feel it without palpation, and sometimes as weird as it sounds I feel like a vibration. I appreciate any information. As always I am going to be seen Thursday but would like an idea good or bad. My many nurse friends think it is cyst or hernia but probably will get an ultrasound and biopsy.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This could be a lipoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome again and thanks for the details

Looking at your description and photo, it seems to be swelling in superficial layers of skin
Most probably it might be a lipoma collection of fat cells

you need not to worry it can be removed surgically very easily if it is causing you pressure symptoms.

Hope this answers your query.
Thanks for your question
Best wishes

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (9 hours later)

Thank you doctor. I appreciate your efforts

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Your most welcome
Thanks for using our services
Please feel free to ask for further queries I will be happy to help you .
Best wishes

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj