Lump in toddlers chest! Advice please!

[mummyof2est2009]

Hi I wondered if any of you could put my mind at rest. I was changing DS nappy and he was crying noticed a lump about 2cm below his sternum it's quite large (approx 4cm across) I've never noticed it before and now I'm staring to panic! Anyone else's toddler have this? Thank you

Could it be a hernia?

Has it just appeared?

If so, I'd be off to A&E (and I never say that).

Ds2 had an umbilical hernia which became strangulated and he had to have an emergency op.

I don't think so, DD had a hiatus hernia which felt softer to the touch. This is firmer and quite smooth. It sticks out more when he tenses (probably why I noticed it when he was crying) but it is also there when he's not tensing but seems further back if that makes sense? X

Definitely get it checked as soon as you can. It is most likely nothing to worry about, but a tiny number of toddlers get a rare form of tumour which can be treated very effectively if diagnosed early enough. They are very rare, so it's unlikely but get it checked and ruled out. Hope it proves to be nothing to worry about.

Thank you x

My son had this and I was worried. The gp referred him to hospital where he had blood tests, an X-ray and an ultrasound. Turned out he just has a lumpy rib cage! They all took it very seriously, however, so I'd go see your gp and take it from there.

Could be his xiphoid process, the bit of bone kind of attached to the bottom of the sternum.

Thank you for your replies ladyvimes was your sons attatched to his ribs? I can feel the bottom of his sternum then there is a gap then I can feel it reallyanotherone would there be a gap if it was xiphoid process? Thanks both for your replies

I don't know if it makes any difference but he's 2 1/2

I'm a grandma so I've got quite a bit of experience and I can only agree with the other posters, get in touch with your surgery first thing Monday morning. If you genuinely feel that you can't wait take him to A&E

It sometimes can feel separate in babies...

Google some images.

One here: gregorygordonmd.com/xiphoid-process.html

Thank you so much for that, it is in the same place but is wider and not as pointed. I think I will take him to the walk in centre tomorrow. Thanks again

No harm in phoning the non emergency number for advice Tonight

A bloke I work with son (18 months) had this last year! Turned out just to be in infection if the cartilage, albeit very unusual in young children. IV antibiotics got rid of it!

Apparently it is just an extension of his sternum! Thanks everyone for your replies!

That's great news

Xiphisternum?