What Causes Unusual Swelling Outside Rib Cage Whcih Feels Thin Cord Or A Small Vein?

Posted on Fri, 3 Jan 2014

Question: Hi. I have a very unusual swelling OUTSIDE of my left rib cage. It feels like a thin cord, or a small vein (there is no discernable pulse in it). It runs VERTICALLY from above the left middle of my breast (I am male, 55) down nearly to, or all the way to, the bottom of my rib cage. It has been tender for about 3-4 days in the area, only today finally spotted this vein-like or cord-like structure, and that this is where the tenderness is centered. Any idea what this might be? Anything Emergency Room, or not likely? Thanks Look, I do not need this "peer reviewed," just a rapid response is most important. It's 3 a.m. and I'd rather just go to sleep and deal with it in the morning, but do not want to if it is potentially XXXXXXX and I ought to go to the ER. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Sir, Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX Well looking into the query I will like to tell you that it will not be possible to give you the exact diagnosis but the description that you are giving the cord and vein like structure that is tender can be a sign of phlebitis that is inflammation of veins . In my opinion if it is not increasing rapidly and the pain is bearable , there is no fever which should be the case then you can wait till morning and need not go to ER at this time . Take care. Dr. Shruti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar