What is the lump below my chest?

September 27, 2025 •

3 min read

While it can be alarming to find an unexplained mass on your body, most lumps are benign and not a cause for serious concern. Determining the nature of a lump requires a professional medical evaluation, especially when asking: What is the lump below my chest?

Quick Summary

A lump below the chest can have several causes, ranging from the harmless cartilage of the xiphoid process to an epigastric hernia or a benign tumor like a lipoma. Many are not serious, but proper diagnosis by a doctor is essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Key Points

Xiphoid Process: The pointed cartilage at the bottom of the breastbone is a normal anatomical structure that can feel like a hard lump, often becoming more bony with age.
Epigastric Hernia: A bulge in the abdominal wall, located between the breastbone and navel, can feel like a lump and may cause discomfort, particularly during straining.
Lipoma and Cysts: Benign fatty lumps (lipomas) and fluid-filled sacs (cysts) are common causes of soft, movable lumps that are usually painless.
Xiphoid Syndrome: A rare inflammatory condition of the xiphoid process that can cause a painful lump, often triggered by trauma or overuse.
Seek Medical Advice: Any new, changing, or painful lump below the chest should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Watch for Red Flags: Systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, or severe chest pain accompanying a lump are a sign to seek immediate medical attention.

Understanding the Xiphoid Process

Often, a lump felt at the bottom of the breastbone is the xiphoid process, a normal part of the anatomy. This small, pointed cartilage is located at the lower end of the sternum and gradually hardens into bone over time. Its feel and shape can vary, sometimes presenting as a prominent, hard knot. It serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments, including the diaphragm.

When the Xiphoid Process Causes Problems

Xiphoid syndrome, or xiphodynia, is a rare condition causing pain and inflammation in the xiphoid process. It can be triggered by trauma, repetitive motion, or heavy lifting. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling, which may feel like a lump. While minor cases may improve with conservative treatment, severe cases might need medical intervention.

Potential Medical Causes for a Lump

Other conditions can cause a lump below the chest, necessitating a healthcare professional's evaluation to determine the cause.

Epigastric Hernia

An epigastric hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak abdominal muscle area between the breastbone and the navel, creating a bulge or lump. It can cause pain or discomfort, especially with strain. Surgery is often recommended, particularly for symptomatic hernias.

Lipoma and Other Benign Growths

Lipoma: These are common, benign, slow-growing tumors made of fatty tissue that feel soft and movable under the skin. They are usually harmless and don't require treatment unless they cause pain or are a cosmetic concern.
Cysts: Cysts are closed sacs under the skin that can contain various materials. Their texture can vary, and while most are benign and may resolve on their own, a doctor can drain them if needed.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone can cause pain and tenderness that might be mistaken for a lump. Pain often increases with breathing or coughing.
Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin from an injury can cause a firm lump, resolving as the body reabsorbs the blood.

Differentiating Between Common Causes


Feature	Xiphoid Process	Epigastric Hernia	Lipoma	Costochondritis	Cyst	Hematoma
Location	Very bottom of the sternum	Between sternum and navel	Anywhere	Rib-sternum junction	Anywhere	Site of injury
Feel	Hard, bony, fixed	Soft, reducible bulge	Soft, rubbery, moveable	Tender, swollen	Smooth, soft or firm	Firm or squishy
Pain	Only if inflamed (rare)	Painful when strained	Rarely painful	Painful with movement	Usually painless	Painful to the touch
Movement	Does not move	May protrude with strain	Moves under skin	N/A	Moves under skin	Does not move freely
Onset	Lifelong, may become more prominent	May develop gradually	Gradual	Sudden after activity/injury	Gradual	Sudden after injury

What to Do If You Find a Lump

Any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious conditions. Self-diagnosis and treatment are not recommended. A doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests or a biopsy for diagnosis.

Seek immediate medical attention if the lump is accompanied by symptoms like sudden, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, unintentional weight loss, or changes in the lump's characteristics.

Conclusion

While finding a lump below the chest can cause concern, many causes are not serious, such as the xiphoid process, lipomas, cysts, or epigastric hernias. However, because rare but serious conditions exist, a professional diagnosis is essential. A doctor can accurately identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, providing reassurance and necessary care. For more general health information, refer to reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The xiphoid process is located centrally at the very end of your breastbone. It typically feels like a firm, bony protrusion and does not move. The shape and prominence can vary widely, but a medical professional can confirm if what you feel is this normal part of your anatomy through a simple physical examination.

While it is possible, most lumps below the chest are non-cancerous, such as a lipoma, cyst, or epigastric hernia. Cancerous lumps tend to feel hard with irregular edges and are often fixed in place, though not always. A doctor's evaluation is the only way to confirm if a lump is benign or malignant.

An epigastric hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle between your breastbone and navel. Treatment often involves surgery to repair the muscle wall and prevent recurrence, especially if the hernia is causing discomfort or pain.

A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that is almost always harmless. It is typically only removed if it is growing rapidly, causing pain by pressing on a nerve, or if its appearance is a concern to the patient. Most lipomas can be left untreated.

Yes, an injury or trauma to the chest can cause a lump. This can be due to a hematoma (a collection of blood) or inflammation. For example, damage to the xiphoid process can cause painful swelling known as xiphoid syndrome.

You should see a doctor about any new or unexplained lump on your body. You should seek immediate medical attention if the lump is accompanied by severe chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing, or if its size or appearance changes quickly.

After a physical exam, a doctor might order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to get a clearer picture of the mass. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to analyze a tissue sample and confirm a diagnosis.