Bump on Rib: Seeking Insights
In June of last year, I (F18, standing at 178cm and weighing approximately 78kg) experienced a rib fracture due to bronchitis. Fast forward to last Friday, when I started to catch a cold. By Monday, my coughing intensified, leading me to take a sick day today because the cough, which has a bloody taste, hasn't improved. This morning, I noticed discomfort on the side of the rib I fractured, rating the pain around a 4 out of 10 during movement. This is puzzling since, at the time of the injury, I only felt pain while breathing or coughing. Concerned by the persistent pain, I examined my ribs and asked my boyfriend and mother-in-law to check as well, validating that I wasn't simply imagining it. To my shock, I discovered a large bump (about 10cm in diameter) on the rib I had previously broken. I am unsure if it is just swelling or an actual lump, but it feels remarkably firm to the touch, and pressing on it doesn't elicit any pain. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow, yet I find myself anxious about it, particularly given our family's cancer history. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on what this could possibly be besides cancer. Thank you, and good night.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 10:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about a new bump on your rib, especially given your history of rib injury and family health issues. You’re doing the right thing by scheduling a doctor’s appointment to discuss your symptoms. Let’s break this down to guide your thoughts:
Main Points
- Potential Causes of the Bump: The bump could be due to several factors related to your previous rib fracture, like bruising, swelling, or a non-cancerous growth like a rib callus or a benign cyst.
- Cough with Bloody Taste: Coughing up blood, even if it's a just taste, can be alarming and indicates that you should monitor it closely.
- Pain and Discomfort: The discomfort you're experiencing may stem from inflammation or irritation of the underlying tissues.
Explanation
After a rib fracture, it's not uncommon for the area to heal with residual swelling or a hard bump, as the body repairs the bone over time. With your recent cold and coughing, you could also be aggravating these tissues, leading to increased pain. The firmness of the bump and lack of pain when pressed may suggest it is related to healing rather than something more serious.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of your cough, especially noting if the bloody taste worsens or you start to cough up blood.
- Take note of any changes in the size of the bump or increase in pain.
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Manage Cough Symptoms:
- Stay hydrated and consider using warm fluids, like herbal tea, to soothe your throat.
- If you have access to over-the-counter remedies for cough or cold, consider using those to help reduce the irritation.
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Rest and Avoid Strain:
- Try to minimize activities that could aggravate your rib, especially heavy lifting or forceful coughing.
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Communicate with Your Doctor:
- Bring up all of your concerns during your appointment. It’s important they know about your family history and your symptoms, including the duration and nature of your cough, as well as your rib pain and bump.
It's good to hear that you have an appointment tomorrow. I encourage you to express your anxieties and let your doctor know everything you’ve been experiencing. Remember, most causes of such symptoms can be non-cancerous, and they will help you get to the bottom of it. Take care and good luck!
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