Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Lump Along Lower Ribs

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Thoracic


I'm a 38 year old woman who's had Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis
for the past 25 years. Over the past 6 months, I've noticed a large lump
has formed beneath my lowest ribs on my right side. This lump is best
described as a very thick "rope" at the base of the ribs, extending back
toward my right kidney and extending forward toward the edge of my rib
cage. It seems to increase and decrease in size, but always has the "thick
rope" characteristic. It's not painful, unless pressure is put upon it.
I'm "aware" it's there because of a slight pressure/discomfort feeling.

I recently noticed that after an especially serious flare-up of Ulcerative
Colitis, the lump seemed to decrease in size a bit. I'm wondering if the
lump is related to the Crohn's/UC in some way, or if anyone has any insight
as to what this may be. It's not affecting my quality of life, except when
I'm doing something physical that uses the muscles along my right side.
Thanks in advance for your consideration and advice.

Thanks for the question but I'm not sure we are the correct forum for you. I'm not sure there is anything neurologic about your problem and you should repost on the general forum. The first thing you should do is see your doctor and have them examine this. If they are concerned then they will order the appropriate scan which could be an ultrasound or CT scan. It is possible that they may even elect to biopsy the abnormality. Sometines patients develop benign lumps called lipomas which are fatty deposits but these usually do not change in size. So follow up with your docotor and let them have a look.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic andtreatment options.

[Neurology Forum]      [Neurology Forum Archives]

[Health News and Commentary]