What Causes A Small Hard Lump On Right Of Rib Base?

Posted on Wed, 27 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I've just discovered a small, moderately hard lump on my right side in line with the base of my ribs, and it isn't there on the other side... It wasn't there yesterday that I saw, and I do check quite regularly for anything like that. Is there any idea that you can give me about it? I'm 18, 165cm, unknown weight but probably around 10stone something (I don't have any scales), and I have no record of any like thing, or any illnesses that were severe enough to go to the doctor apart from a UTI a few months ago. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Mukund Savaskar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hard lump on right of rib base / Under Assessment

Detailed Answer:
Brief Ans-Hard lump on right of rib base / Under Assessment

Hi, Dear !! Thanks for your query to HCM.
Read And reviewed your query in context to your health concern-of the hard lump on the right rib base.
I would need further information as follows-
What is the size of this lump?
Is it movable or fixed lump?
IS it painful to touch/and pressure?
Update/or describe exact site of your rib lump?
Any upper respiratory tract infection lately ?

Primary Impression-
Based on the facts submitted from you, it seems to be a normal costo-chondral joint

Await more information and details about the lump.

Welcome for any further query in this regard.

If you don't have any further query and are satisfied with this reply,
do close this query with pleasing and excellent feedback comments from You, to rate this reply and service,to boost and guide incoming patients like you at HCM.

Keep Me updated soon !!

Good Day !!

Dr.Savaskar M.N. XXXXXXX Surgical Specialist
M.S.Genl-CVTS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Mukund Savaskar (6 hours later)

Hi Dr. Savaskar,

Thank you very much for your quick reply and primary assessment!

It's about a centimetre wide in each way, fixed, not painful at all and, if you drew a line straight across and down from each, in line with the base of my ribs and my 7th rib respectively. I have had an ongoing cold for quite a while, with a bit of coughing, but I don't know if that counts?

Also, I'm curious as to why the joint would suddenly swell up/become visible, especially only on one side and for one rib! Would you mind giving me an reason for this?

Thank you very much and have a good day!

Answered by Dr. Mukund Savaskar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Viral Costochondritis Mostly !!

Detailed Answer:

Brief Ans-Viral Costochondritis Mostly !!

Hi Dear !! Thanks for your appereciative comments and updates.
Read and reviewed updates on 7 th rib Costo-Chondro-Sternal swelling without pain.
The ongoing Cold lately with coughing does account to cause this costo-Chondro-Sternal swelling without pain as its in early stages to cause more pain yet.
It is because of the Viral Infection of the Costo-Chondo-sternal joints, such a swelling does occur in cases like you.

Hope this reply helps and satisfies you !!

Welcome for any further query in this regard by a direct question to ME, at following HCM link-
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70229

Dear, If you are satisfied and have no further query,Do close this query with your praising /excellent feedback comments to rate this reply, to boost the morale of My visiting patients like You, at HCM Virtual forum.

Keep Me updated soon.
Good Day!!

Wishing Good Healthy Life in time to come!!

Dr.Savaskar M.N. XXXXXXX Surgical Specialist
M.S.Genl-CVTS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina