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What Causes Painful Hard Lines On The Rib Cage?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jun 2016

Question: hello there. i have hard lines under my skin on the left rib cage. they hurt when i stretch only. doctor i saw doesnt know what they are and thinks im crazy. i have hard lines almost feel like noodles under my skin on my leftside on my ribcage. the doctor i saw thinks its minor but doesnt know what it is. i am going for a bone scan but dont think its anything to do with my bones. it hurts to stretch but not when im standing normal. no clue what it is and its starting to worry me. any ideas what it may be?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The lines on your skin.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Can you please upload a few good quality pictures of the area in question? That way we might be able to help sort this out.

If your doctor does not know what they are, why would he think you are crazy?

I'll await upload of pictures. You can use the "upload reports" button to do this. I think the button is on the right side of your page.

Also, please tell me: are the lines you are describing somewhat moveable - in other words can you push or roll them, or are they fixed.

Also, can you tell me what other health problems you have, including the reason for the bone scan?

Thanks - more information to follow after I hear back from you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 minutes later)

you cant see anything. just feel them. puctures would not help at all. they sent me for xrays and they came back clean so now the doc said a bone scan was the next step. its not the bone though. yes you can roll them around. only hurts when i strech my arm up or somthing.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
the lines under your skin

Detailed Answer:
Being moveable rather than fixed and attached to something deeper is usually a very good sign. Without being able to palpate them, and with them being able to roll, I am wondering if they are veins that are thicker than usual, or if the are small costal (rib cage) ligaments. But I think it is reassuring that they are moveable. Veins can roll, and tendons can too sometimes.

I assume you have not been to any tropical/third world places? And that you were never an IV drug user?

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

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)

dont do drugs. i used to smoke alot of pot buti quit that years ago. and i was in thailand with my fiance but that was over a year ago. i have an ultrasound booked and a bone test. i just want to be sure its nothing serious. im getting married next year and this whole thing just freaks me out is all.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
More information

Detailed Answer:
I think the ultrasound is a good idea for providing more information.

I can understand your worry. It doesn't sound like it is too serious, given that it is moveable, and your history doesn't reveal concerning risks. Other than ligaments, and thickened veins, possibly there is some fibrotic (scarred) tissue under the skin from some previous injury.

Try your best to put it out of your mind for right now. And if the tests don't reveal anything, you might want a consult with a dermatologist (even if the problem isn't visible). You can ask for the opinion of a dermatologist on this site too (by reposting your question with details and at the beginning of the question write "For Dermatologist ONLY".) But my guess is that the dermatologist would need to feel it in person. You might want to make an appt. with one in your area now in case it takes a while to get in to see one.

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

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (21 minutes later)

i appriciate your help very very much. thank you for your time. and maybe thats a good idea. ill make an appt asap. have a great night

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome -

Detailed Answer:
Good plan. Just something to consider - if your insurance requires a referral from your primary to go to a dermatologist, you may need to put in a request for that. Everyone's insurance is different. You may be able to go directly to a dermatologist.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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