Q What could a quarter-sized lump be at the center top of your ribs?
A lump on the sternum may be caused by a cyst, tumor, or hernia. In these cases, treatment will usually depend on the condition and its severity. Some non-cancerous tumors are not large enough to require surgical removal, so they are cured eventually without any treatment being necessary. This may be naturally occurring protrusion on the sternum called the xiphoid process. The xiphoid process is the most common cause of a lump on the sternum. Its a combination of bone and cartilage that is located at the bottom of the sternum, usually close to the center of the ribcage. You may have a more pronounced xiphoid process than others, and at first glance it may resemble a large lump beneath the skin. Occasionally a hernia can also cause a lump on the sternum. This occurs when a small amount of fatty tissue or intestines bulges out of the abdominal cavity through an opening in the bones. Very small hernias may not require treatment, but in many cases surgery will be necessary.