Why do I have a hard lump on my rib cage?

Why do I have a hard lump on my rib cage?

The most common reason for a lump forming on the ribs is something known as a lipoma, which is a collection of fatty tissue. This type of lump can lie beneath the surface of the skin covering a rib. They are usually painless, freely mobile under your fingers and stay the same over time.

Is it normal to have a lump between your rib cage?

Some are benign, while others may be more serious. A lump in the chest, whether in the breast, near the sternum, or elsewhere on the rib cage, is a common symptom of many different conditions. It is natural for a person to have concerns if they find a lump.

Can you get a cyst on your rib cage?

An aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign, but expansile tumor like lesion that generally occurs in the long bones including the vertebral column. An aneurysmal bone cyst arising from the rib, especially in the elderly, is extremely rare.

Can costochondritis cause a lump?

Costochondritis, which affects the gristly joints between the ribs and breastbone, can produce one or more tender lumps.

When should I be concerned about a lump?

See a GP if: your lump is painful, red or hot. your lump is hard and does not move. your lump lasts more than 2 weeks. a lump grows back after it’s been removed.

Are rib lipomas common?

Intraosseous lipoma of the rib is an extremely uncommon tumor that has been found incidentally. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rib tumors, especially in asymptomatic patients.

Can tumors grow on your ribs?

The chest wall includes the spine, sternum, and ribs. Many types of tumors can grow in this structure. Some are primary tumors, which originate in the chest wall; these can be either benign or malignant. Others are secondary tumors, which spread (metastasize) to the chest wall from another site in the body.

Is there a cure for costal cartilage pain?

If you have costal cartilage pain, rest assured it is almost always a curable problem. It may be a matter of correcting thyroid dysfunction, or fixing misalignment and then refraining from certain activities until the supporting ligaments and tendons have had time to heal.

What are the different types of cartilage tumors?

Ollier disease. A cluster of enchondromas (benign cartilage tumors that usually affect the hands). Maffucci syndrome. A combination of multiple enchondromas (benign cartilage tumors that usually affect the hands) angiomas (benign tumors made up of blood vessels).

Why is costal cartilage important to the rib cage?

While costal cartilage firmly attaches the ribs to the sternum, it still allows for a degree of flexibility. This is important because the chest and thoracic structure need to be rigid enough to protect the heart, lungs, and other internal organs—yet elastic enough to allow for some movement and expansion of the chest cavity.

How do you know if your rib cartilage is damaged?

In most people, the cartilage of only one rib is affected. A firm, spindle-shaped swelling occurs in the cartilage of the affected rib. An aching, gripping, sharp, dull, or neuralgic pain occurs in this area.