Help me please!

[Gemz2805]

I am worried. When sitting myself up after laying down either in bed or the bath etc, i develop i kind of lump that comes out under my breast bone. It disappears again if i massage it away but it is painful while it is there. It has happened ever since i had my son 5 years ago. He was a large baby. What could it be?

[Tuckamore]

Hi Gemz,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad you found us and took the time to post...but sorry to hear about your bulging painful area.

Do you have any gastrointestinal problems associated with this "lump?" It's possible it could be a hernia....it's the reduction that leads one to believe that may be the case.

Your breast bone is medically known as the sternum. Your xiphoid process is located in that area but it shouldn't be reducible. The sternum is shaped like a sword. It is elongated and flat and extends from the base of the neck to the pit of the abdomen. At the very bottom portion of the sternum is a cartilage called the xiphisternum or xiphoid process, Sometimes is can become harden and curl upward. However this should not be reducible.

In that area the hernia that is most prevalent is a Hiatal Hernia. I have one...and 60% of America develop one before the age of 60. I have never heard of this being palpable or reducable. That doesn't mean it never is....

Here's a link to one discussion on MH regarding similar symptoms:  
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Undiagnosed-Symptoms/lump-under-sternum/show/202267

It's always best to consult your PCP. Your symptoms have been going on for five years...it's time to obtain some answers. It's probably nothing serious but having a physician tell you this will ease your mind.

Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates and wish you the very best.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[namnam46]

Hi Gemz,

First I want to welcome you to the Pain Management Forum and let you know that we are glad you found this Forum. I want to let you know that there are NO Doctors on this Forum only CP  {Chronic Pain}  Patients that help each other with our OWN expertise and experiences that we have developed through our OWN CP Issues.

I'm SO sorry that you are having this pain now!!  As a Grandmother, I KNOW how BUSY a 5 years old son can keep you!! You are running ALL the time. :}  However, when you are in pain it makes it that much more painful!!

Anytime you find a lump you should IMMEDIATELY call your Doctor and have it checked out.  It MIGHT very well be a hernia as Gemini suggested BUT you can't be sure UNTIL you have it checked out.  PLEASE call him/her and find out what is going on.

I HOPE that you will let us know what you find out as we will be concerned about you!!

We'll be watching for your update.............Sherry  :)

[geminigirl1963]

I'm no doctor, but to me it sounds like it might be a hernia.  I would suggest seeing your doctor and getting it evaluated.

Best of luck.