i think it is imperative that you get a chest
x ray at least
it may tell us what the lump/swelling is
and it will also tell us if he has any other problem in his lungs like
pleuritis which may be causing him the pain in breathing
there is a possibilty of bone tumours that may be spreading
and having involved the ribs/muscles may be causing problems
if it does turn out to be that you may need a
biopsy to make the diagnose
having said that
it may be something as simple as an infection
and antibiotics may help
but we need to confirm the diagnosis first
i realize with the lack of insurance things will be expensive
so get just an x ray chest first
and then let us know the report
we can then take it from there