Question: Hi doctors,
My son is 16 months old, active, fully breastfeeding and growing well. As i was playing with him, tickling hus stomach today, I noticed that there is a lump/bone on the lowest left rib cage. With both hands, i tried to have a feel for his left and right rib cage but they’re not the same. I am sure that there’s like a growth on the left rib cage. Is this normal? Where and what sort of tests should be done to check what is it?
Thanks in advance. (Sha)
Answer: Dear Puan Sha, the best way to find a confirmation/assurance for this is for an assessment by a paediatrician. It could be the junction of the cartilage and bone in the rib bones which is prominent, or it could be part of the prominent area of the rib cage. If there is really a mass, then an X ray would be a good first choice, and other imaging such as ultrasound may be useful. Do not worry first but I will advice you to consult a doctor for an assessment.