Concerns Over a Discovered Lump
Hello everyone, I'm a 46-year-old male weighing around 180 pounds. Recently, I noticed a small, painless lump located at the end of my sternoclavicular joint, close to the notch in my chest. Prior to this, I had never felt anything like it, especially in an area that I would typically notice. I visited my general practitioner for an evaluation, and he assured me that there is no cause for concern. The lump is completely without pain and has a bony texture. After undergoing some blood tests, all results came back normal. I also had an X-ray taken, which provided the following details: "XR STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINTS 7/23/2025 1:14 PM INDICATION: Pain TECHNIQUE: XR STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINTS COMPARISON: None FINDINGS: No acute fractures or misalignments noted. There are mild degenerative changes in the sternoclavicular joints, more prominent on the left side than the right. The surrounding soft tissues appear normal." Am I being overly anxious by continuing to worry about this?
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 7:40:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely normal to feel anxious when you notice something unusual about your body, such as a lump. However, based on your doctor's evaluation, blood test results, and X-ray findings, it seems that this lump is not currently a cause for concern.
Explanation: Your general practitioner's reassurance is important. The fact that the lump is painless and has a bony texture suggests that it may be a benign condition, such as a small bone prominence or a non-cancerous growth. The X-ray indicated mild degenerative changes, which are common as we age and typically don't indicate a serious issue.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Lump: Keep an eye on the lump for any changes, such as an increase in size, pain, or any other new symptoms. Document your observations.
- Follow-Up Questions: If you have further concerns, consider writing down specific questions to discuss with your doctor at your next visit.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about common benign lumps and conditions in the sternoclavicular area, so you feel more informed.
- Manage Anxiety: Engage in relaxation techniques or activities that help reduce anxiety, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to friends or family.
It's essential to focus on what you can control and communicate with your healthcare provider if anything new arises. It's perfectly fine to seek support for your feelings of anxiety during this monitoring period.
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