Brief Answer: Further details are needed... Detailed Answer: Hi, Can you please upload a picture of the rib with a denser area (darker)? That picture can help me assist you further! The denser area on the rib might be: - hematoma due to trauma (local injuries) - arthritis (costeo-condritis) - inflammed lipoma As there are many pathologies to rule out, I'd like to know: - is the skin in the denser area also affected? - is the area painful? - how long have it been there? - has it changed the size or remained the same sized? - do you remember to get the rib area injured recently? - does it feel like a bump/lump? - are you currently on meds? If yes, can you please specify? Thank you! Dr.Albana

---

Brief Answer: Possible injury due to massaging... Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for following up. I am sorry to know that you went through breast cancer last year. Hope that have been a successful battle. Most probably, the darkened area of the rib could be related to injury caused by massages. Please bare in mind that use of Tamoxifen is associated with high risk for blood clots. In your case, massage has caused bruising, that finished into blood clots (darkened area). Usually, I advise my patients to apply heparin cream to the affected area. However, in your cause (as I did not receive any picture of your darkened area), I should assure first that it is really bruising with blood clot, then, to apply heparin. Can discuss with your doctor about side effects of Tamoxifen, and to evaluate your current problem in order to start treatment in time. All the best! May God help you succeed in your war against breast cancer! Dr.Albana

---