What Causes Lump Like Feeling Near Rib Cage?

Posted on Thu, 5 Feb 2015

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

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a "lump" that only seems to manifest itself when I am lying down on my left side. It is just below the rib cage on the side and feels like a small marble. However when I try to feel for it, I cannot. Had an ultra sound this morning and it showed nothing! Not sure what to do now.
I know it is not my mattress - have flipped & rotated it. Also tried other beds - still have the "lump".

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it doesn't seem of concern.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Taking in consideration some factors like :
-The fact that it appear only in lying position and doesn't persist all the time
-You don't have associated symptoms : local (pain ,discomfort) or general (fatigue,weight loss, etc)
-The ultrasound was normal
All these facts indicates that it is not of great concern.It doesn't suggest any medical condition or to be something serious.
If when you touch this lump it is small ,soft and movable lump it might be just a lipoma or a small cyst that are not of concern.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify .I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,

Dr.Rovena Murati

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