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What Does A Bone Swelling On Chest Of Child Suggest?

Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015

Question: My year and a half year old boy has a bone protruding in the centre of his breast line with a little dip underneath, he has had it for the past year but it seems to becoming more noticeable. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I won't get overly worried for this

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
The bony swelling in the mid chest in the lower part just above the upper abdomen is a very common complaint by the parents in this age.
This swelling is due to the prominent xiphoid process the lower part of central breast bone.Due to the swelling the skin below it appears to be depressed.
This gradually subsides as the baby grows.It becomes more prominent in thin built babies.
Don't worry as it does not produces any harm and improves as the baby grows.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more doubts.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (13 minutes later)

thanks a mill, just attaching photo for u to see, is this still what you said.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would like to get serum calcium and vitamin D level done

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up
I have gone through the image and I stick to my opinion and I won't be worried for the lump.After seeing the image the lower margin of chest cavity is also appearing prominent to me.This can happen in vitamin D and calcium deficiency.
So I would suggest you to get the serum level of vitamin D and calcium done to rule out any deficiency.
Regards

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