Hard Bump Near the Sternum: A 27-Year-Old’s Inquiry
Hello! I’m a 27-year-old woman, weighing 115 pounds and standing 5 feet 3 inches tall. Currently, I’m on Zoloft for anxiety management and take iron in conjunction with vitamin C. I’m fairly slender, and I recently discovered a small, lentil-sized bump to the left of my xiphoid process at the lower part of my sternum. This bump is not located at the outer edge of my left breast but is positioned fairly close to it. Though I’ve noticed it for several years, I didn’t think much of it until now and am curious about what it could be. Thanks in advance for any insights! Update: I regularly attend breast examinations and am quite proactive about my health; however, this bump has never been pointed out by any of my healthcare providers. It's quite diminutive, and it feels as if it’s situated against the bone rather than on the breast tissue.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 11:01:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're taking an active role in your health! Your description of a small bump near your sternum, especially since it's been present for several years without change, could indicate a few potential causes, such as a benign cyst, a lipoma (a harmless fatty growth), or a rib prominence. Given your proactive approach to health and routine breast examinations, it's reassuring that this bump hasn’t raised any concerns with your healthcare providers.
Explanation
Bumps near the sternum can have various origins. Because yours is small, seems stable, and hasn’t changed over the years, it's likely to be benign. However, it’s always wise to monitor any changes in size, shape, or discomfort.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Self-Monitoring: Keep an eye on the bump for any changes over the next few weeks. Pay attention to:
- Changes in size or shape
- Any pain, discomfort, or tenderness
- Changes in surrounding skin (redness, swelling)
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Documentation: Consider keeping a note of your observations related to the bump, as this can help if your healthcare provider needs to know more in the future.
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Routine Check: Since you regularly see providers for breast examinations, you might mention the bump at your next appointment for reassurance, even if it hasn't caused concern previously.
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Stay Informed: If you start experiencing any new symptoms, such as pain or rapid changes in the bump, or if you feel increasingly concerned, consider discussing these developments with a healthcare provider sooner.
Remember, it’s normal to notice things like this, and maintaining communication with your healthcare team can provide peace of mind. If you have other concerns or questions as you monitor this bump, feel free to reach out!
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