What could cause a lump on the left side of my stomach under the ribs?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A lump on the left side of your stomach under the ribs may be caused by several conditions, including:

Hernia: A small tear in the abdominal muscles, often triggered by chronic coughing or straining, allowing tissue to push through.
Tumor or growth: An abnormal mass in the rib or soft tissue area, which can be benign or malignant.
Distended stomach: Bloating or enlargement of the stomach, sometimes linked to digestive issues or organ enlargement (like the spleen on the left side).

Because these causes range from mild to serious, identifying the source early matters. The fastest way to narrow down what's happening is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you understand possible conditions and decide whether to see a doctor, which specialist to consult, and what questions to ask. It's a smart, no-cost first step toward clarity and peace of mind.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

There are a few things that might cause a lump in the left upper abdomen just under the ribs. One possibility is an abdominal intercostal hernia, which can happen when a forceful cough causes a small opening in the muscles between the ribs. This lets a little bit of the inside of your stomach push out and feel like a lump. Another possibility is a growth on the bones of the rib cage. For example, a giant cell tumor is a kind of growth that can develop in the ribs and slowly get bigger. In some cases, a large mass might even start from nearby areas—like the pericardium (the lining around the heart)—and extend into the rib area. Because the causes are so varied, it is important to have a doctor check any new lump. If you're experiencing symptoms like this, you can start by using Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your concerns. Your doctor might also use imaging tests, like an ultrasound or CT scan, to see exactly what is causing the lump and decide if you need treatment.

(References)

Connery A, Mutvalli E. Cough-induced abdominal intercostal hernia. JRSM Short Rep. 2010 Aug 31;1(3):23. doi: 10.1258/shorts.2010.010029. PMID: 21103115; PMCID: PMC2984347.
Yang E, Li T, Katz A. A giant cell tumor of the bone in the rib cage left to proliferate unfettered for seven years to an extensive size. Respir Med Case Rep. 2021 May 1;33:101419. doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2021.101419. PMID: 34401267; PMCID: PMC8348908.
Park HW, Do JH, Park TY, Oh HC, Park JM, Hong SA, Park HJ. Rib and pericardium invaded huge abdominal mass in young woman: A case report with literature review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Sep 2;101(35):e30371. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030371. PMID: 36107577; PMCID: PMC9439818.

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