Hello,
It is difficult to tell what this swelling could be without a thorough clinical history, direct clinical examination and investigations.
It sounds like Tietze syndrome which is an inflammation of the costochondral cartilages of the upper front of the chest.
Swelling,
pain and tenderness over the ribs and cartilage over sternum are the main symptoms. A localized swelling is characteristsic.
The
pain can be so distressing and may mimic
pain of cardiac origin.
Elevated
ESR or
C-reactive protein test are common in patients with Tietze syndrome due to inflmmation.
The main stay of treatmetn is rest,
anti-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy. Cortisone injection shots may be needed in severe inflmmatory changes as well as local applicants of Ice pack. Local
analgesic patch may be needed to control the
pain.
Cartilage excision may be considerd when all measures fail and should be discussed with an orthopedic surgeons.
Other causes like cartilage or bone tumors or soft tissue masses should be excluded.
Hope you find this information useful.
I would advise you to follow up with your doctor and to update him with your symptoms.
Please keep us updated.
Best regards.
This answer does not substitute for direct medical consultation.
Dr. Safaa Mahmoud.
MB BCh, MSc Internal Medicine. MD Medical Oncology.
PhD Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Science.
