Differential Diagnosis for a Lump on the Ribcage
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which is the most common soft tissue tumor and can occur anywhere on the body, including the ribcage. It is usually slow-growing and painless.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that can form on the ribcage, which may be congenital or acquired. It can be painful if it becomes infected or ruptures.
- Fibroma: A benign tumor composed of fibrous tissue, which can occur on the ribcage. It is usually slow-growing and painless.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can occur on the ribcage due to trauma. It can be painful and may resolve on its own.
- Abscess: A collection of pus that can form on the ribcage, usually due to a bacterial infection. It can be painful and may require drainage.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteosarcoma: A malignant bone tumor that can occur on the ribcage, which is aggressive and requires prompt treatment. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Metastatic disease: Cancer that has spread to the ribcage from another part of the body, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. It requires prompt treatment and has a poor prognosis if left untreated.
- Ewing's sarcoma: A malignant bone tumor that can occur on the ribcage, which is aggressive and requires prompt treatment. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Rare Diagnoses
- Chondroma: A benign tumor composed of cartilage tissue, which can occur on the ribcage. It is usually slow-growing and painless.
- Osteochondroma: A benign tumor composed of bone and cartilage tissue, which can occur on the ribcage. It is usually slow-growing and painless.
- Multiple myeloma: A malignant plasma cell disorder that can cause bone lesions on the ribcage, which can be painful and require prompt treatment.
- Lymphoma: A malignant lymphoid tissue disorder that can cause masses on the ribcage, which can be painful and require prompt treatment.