mass on sternum 4 years after open heart surgery

[kb1212]

I had open heart surgery four years ago to replace the ascending aorta which had 2 chronic dissections and to replace the aortic valve. The surgery went fine and I recovered nicely.  The scar was nice and flat and not that noticeable. In the past couple months I've been experiencing a lot of heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain. I went to the ER in October and they assured me that it was just GERD. But now I have a hard lump about the size of a large marble on my sternum.  My primary care doctor has referred me to a general surgeon but I'm wondering if I should see my heart surgeon rather than a general surgeon.  Could this be related to the heart surgery?  Can you get lumps of scar tissue that cause chest pain 4 years after surgery?  I'm scheduled to see the general surgeon on Thursday. Thanks!

[Jonincamas]

Just curious what your outcome was... been 6 months since my 2nd OHS and I'm starting to develop a tender lump on my sternum.

[Littlemssunshine33]

I just got off the phone with my daughter's pediatric cardiologist about nearly the same exact thing, except it has been five years for her.  He said it could be the sternum realigning.  I would definitely talk to your cardiologist before making any decisions.

[Trackermom]

Maybe it is a hiatal hernia.  My mom and dad can both see their hernias.