What could be?

[Leinadra]

What is this circular thing the size of a small pea below my left rib cage?  It is not really seen, I can only feel it when I try to press on my skin, so it is more internal. It doesn't hurt as well. For some more information, I am currently having a cold right now.. And a phlegm issue that has been going on since forever.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Actually a subcutaneous skin (under the skin) nodule—the size of a pea and firm, is usually due to a neurofibroma (connective ad nerve tissue), a ganglion cyst or a lymph node. Conditions causing skin granulomas should be ruled out. Swimming pool granuloma should be looked into first if you swim. This is caused by Mycobacterium marinum bacteria and the test is same as for tuberculosis. Apart from PPD tuberculin test, skin biopsy—the bacteria can also be cultured. Tick bite is one possibility and if you live in an area prone for tick bites, then Lyme's disease should be ruled out by appropriate tests. Pseudolymphoma is another possibility which causes persistent inflammatory nodules. The good thing is that they are usually without symptoms and disappear on their own by 8-9 months. These can be due to calcinosis or calcium deposits if you have received calcium supplements in the past. An autoimmune condition called granuloma annulare is another possibility and hence immunoglobulins and other tests for autoimmune disorders of which rheumatoid arthritis too is one should be looked into. Sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, pseudorheumatoid disease, foreign body granulomas, leprosies, leishmaniasis (parasitic disease caused by bite of sand fly), lupus, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and deep fungal infections should also be looked into. A ganglion can also undergo granulomatous change.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP to run tests and examination to clinch a diagnosis. Take care!

[Leinadra]

It is not painful.  But I am going for chest x-ray today and then a visit to a pulmonologist after and see what they say.  Wish me luck.  :)

[tom3341]

Go to www.inbody.com to see exactly what you are looking for and possibly it's function.

Hope this helps.

[Kimberleigh2208]

The only thing I think the pea-sized object could be is a hernia -- except usually I think they hurt.  Have you strained your muscles lately by working out or doing an activity you don't normally do?  My husband had something under/below his ribs on one side as well after he tried to be Paul Bunyan and use an axe to cut down a tree instead of a chainsaw.  However, like I said, his was painful for awhile.  Now it is smaller but you can still feel it.  I am not sure what the doctor can do, if anything to help the pain besides tell you to take aspirin or ibuprofen, etc.  I don't think it would have anything to do with the cold-like symptoms you've been having though.  Hope that helps!