Found a hard lump on the bone of my sternum- concerned?

I’m a 22 year old female and today I noticed for the first time a small lump (about the size of a pea) near the centre of my chest. It feels like bone and is on my sternum. It’s only on one side and I’m certain it wasn’t there before (at least not since a few weeks ago). 

I’ve never had any serious physical health conditions but cancer does run strongly in my family.

Should I be worried and get it checked out, or is it likely just a weird bit of bone growth?

  • Hi

    I also have a hard lump in the middle of my sternum. My GP sent me for an ultrasound scan which I went to today. I have been told it's a bony prominence and that I may also need an X-ray. He said it's nothing to worry about but to contact my GP for the results of the scan in a week. It's worth getting yourself checked out though to put your mind at rest. Let me know how you get on.

  • It is hard to describe but my right breast bone at the top feels more swollen than the left and its quite tender. So it isn't like a significant lump as in pea size. I think I am worrying myself but I do think that on Monday I may have to go visit the Doctor to get checked even though been at the Doctors not the best right now is it x Good luck everyone x

  • Hello, sounds like what I experienced a couple of years ago. I had an x-ray, conclusion was a bit of arthritis (a surprise as I was only 48 at the time). A course of naproxen helped with the tenderness, and if it flares up, over the counter painkillers help. No further treatment required. Hopefully yours is nothing serious too.

    ktkt

  • Thank you very much x 

  • Hi Dhin, we have the same situation wherein my bone next to collar bone in the right side feels bigger than in the left. Please let me know the result or what the doctor said about yours. Thanks

  • Hi  

    I have The Exact Thing n i just nitices couple of days ago,

    dunno neet to be wry abiut it ..

    mine is bigger than pea actuly its more like ping pong ball abit smaller

    Could u Plz lmk What Happened For Ur result

    thanks alot

     

  • Hi, I found a hard lump between my breasts where the sternum is which was sore to touch.  I completely made myself ill and didn't sleep a wink the whole night for thinking I had cancer.

    I managed to get a Doctors appointment the following day and was reassured after an examination that some people have more predominant sternum bones and sometimes you can get inflammation here for no apparent medical reason and it's nothing to be worried about. The Doctor also said I would be surprised at how many people come in for the same reason as it isn't a place you are overfamiliar with and usually notice it by sheer chance.

    My lovely Foctor told me any lumps or bumps should be checked out and that they more often than not prove to be harmless. 
     

  • Thank you for your post. Gives me a bit of reassurance. Just been referred for ultrasound.

  • Hi what happened with your scan if you don't mind me asking 

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