Large mass over rib cage in 16yr old

[jwlms]

Hi,

My 16 year old son just showed me a very large mass over his rib cage tonight. I can see it plainly when he is standing 3 feet away. It is oval in shape, and I measure it to be about from the tip of my middle finger to my wrist. It is soft and pliable -- not hard at all. It sits on top of his ribs on the left side, positioned right at the bottom of the rib cage and about 1 inch from the center of his body. He says it doesn't really hurt, but I could tell it was bothering him while I was feeling it. I can clearly define the outline of this mass while he is laying on his back.

I'm really concerned about this, mainly because he just had xrays and a full physical exam about 2 weeks ago when a friend of his sat on his chest and bruised his ribs. I would think the doctor would have noticed this mass when examining him (especially feeling for enlarged spleen, etc). My son says he only noticed it a few days ago. How could something grow that big so fast?

Is it possibly swelling from the bruised ribs? His ribs have been feeling much better and he never had swelling when the incident occurred. The mass is not red, warm or otherwise what I would think swelling would look like.

Our insurance just changed and I can't afford a doctor visit right now unless this is something serious. It doesn't hurt, and it's on top of his ribcage (not in his belly, etc) so I wonder if we should just watch it for a bit? But if there is even a chance it's serious, I will take him in. Anyone ever have anything like this?

[jwlms]

Thanks to both of you for the responses. A swollen muscle definitely makes sense. We're trying Alieve for a few days and then if it hasn't changed much by Monday, I will take him to see the doctor. With his recent injury to his lower rib cage, this really does make sense! Thanks again!

[KennKoala]

Does this lump get worse as the week goes by, then goes away over the weekend? Could be nothing more than damage caused by prolonged muscle cramps. Slow, deep breathing exercises to stimulate blood flow, plus external heat treatment. Arm, shoulder and twisting exercises, too. Does your boy have a job? Check that out, he may be standing for long periods without real movement and be breathing shallow.

[margypops]

It could be bruised muscle that is swollen, I do think it would be best to see someone if you go to one of the low cost clinics most ares have or the ER it wont cost much contrary to belief there are clinics here wre the  Uninsured go to , they are never without healthcare .so if you are concerned go for an xray at the ER tell them you have no insurnace .