A Tender Lump Under Your Right Rib: Is It a Fatty Cyst or Something Inside?

A Tender Lump Under Your Right Rib: Is It a Fatty Cyst or Something Inside?

Finding a tender lump under your right rib can be unsettling. Many people worry immediately about something serious happening inside the body. In reality, there are several possible causes, ranging from harmless surface lumps like a lipoma to issues involving the ribs, muscles, or even internal organs such as the gallbladder. Understanding what this lump could be—and when it needs medical attention—can help you respond calmly and appropriately.

Below, we'll walk through the most common explanations using credible medical knowledge, plain language, and a balanced perspective that neither minimizes nor exaggerates potential concerns.

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First, Where Exactly Is "Under the Right Rib"?

The area under your right rib cage includes:

• Skin and fatty tissue
• Muscles and connective tissue
• Ribs and cartilage
• The liver and gallbladder
• Parts of the colon and small intestine

A lump here can come from outside the rib cage (more common) or inside the abdomen (less common, but important to evaluate).

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Lipoma: The Most Common and Least Dangerous Cause

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that forms just under the skin. It is one of the most common causes of a painless or mildly tender lump near the ribs.

Typical features of a lipoma:

• Soft and "squishy" to the touch
• Usually moves slightly when pressed
• Grows slowly over time
• Usually painless, though it can feel tender if pressed or irritated
• Located just under the skin, not deep inside

Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) and do not turn into cancer. Doctors often diagnose them with a physical exam alone. Imaging or removal is usually only recommended if the lump is painful, growing quickly, or cosmetically bothersome.

Key takeaway: If the lump feels soft, mobile, and superficial, a lipoma is a strong possibility.

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Slipping Rib Syndrome: A Lesser-Known but Commonly Missed Cause

Slipping rib syndrome (sometimes misspelled as "slippling rib syndrome") happens when the cartilage of the lower ribs becomes overly mobile. This can cause a small, tender bulge or sharp pain under the right rib, especially with movement.

Common signs include:

• Sharp or aching pain under the lower ribs
• Pain that worsens with twisting, bending, coughing, or deep breathing
• A popping, clicking, or slipping sensation
• Tenderness when pressing along the rib edge
• Symptoms that come and go

This condition is musculoskeletal, not internal, and does not involve organs like the liver or gallbladder. It can feel alarming but is not life-threatening. Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and physical examination.

Key takeaway: If your lump or pain changes with movement or posture, slipping rib syndrome may be involved.

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Muscle Strain or Local Inflammation

Sometimes what feels like a lump is actually:

• A tight muscle knot
• Local swelling from a minor injury
• Inflammation from repetitive motion or poor posture

This is especially common after:

• Heavy lifting
• Intense exercise
• Persistent coughing
• Long periods of poor sitting posture

These lumps are often tender, may feel firmer than a lipoma, and typically improve over days to weeks.

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Could It Be the Gallbladder?

The gallbladder sits under the right rib cage, but it usually does not cause a visible or touchable lump unless the problem is advanced.

Gallbladder-related symptoms usually include:

• Pain under the right rib, often after eating fatty foods
• Pain that may radiate to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating or indigestion

Conditions like gallstones or gallbladder inflammation cause internal pain, not a soft external mass. However, persistent tenderness in this area—especially if associated with digestive symptoms—should be evaluated by a doctor.

Key takeaway: If you can feel the lump with your fingers, it is less likely to be the gallbladder, but gallbladder disease should still be considered if digestive symptoms are present.

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Digestive Issues That Can Mimic Rib Lumps

Gas, bowel spasms, or stool in the colon can sometimes create a feeling of fullness or pressure under the ribs. People with sensitive digestion may notice this more often.

If you also experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits that come and go, you can use Ubie's free Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptom checker to help determine if digestive issues might be contributing to your discomfort.

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Less Common but Important Possibilities

While most right-rib lumps are harmless, a few conditions need medical evaluation:

• Enlarged lymph nodes (usually firm and tender during infection)
• Hernias (a bulge that becomes more noticeable with straining)
• Infections or abscesses (red, warm, painful)
• Rare tumors (usually hard, fixed, and progressively enlarging)

These are much less common, but any unexplained lump deserves attention if it changes or persists.

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When You Should Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor promptly if you notice:

• Rapid growth of the lump
• Increasing or severe pain
• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• A hard, fixed, or immovable mass

Anything that could be life-threatening or serious should always be evaluated in person, even if the symptoms seem mild at first.

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How Doctors Evaluate a Lump Under the Right Rib

A healthcare provider may use:

• A detailed physical exam
• Ultrasound or other imaging
• Blood tests (if gallbladder or liver issues are suspected)

In many cases, reassurance is all that's needed. In others, treatment may involve pain management, physical therapy, or referral to a specialist.

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The Bottom Line

A tender lump under your right rib is most often caused by something benign, such as a lipoma, slipping rib syndrome, or muscle-related issue. Internal causes like the gallbladder usually cause pain rather than a touchable lump.

Pay attention to:

• How the lump feels
• Whether it moves
• Changes over time
• Associated symptoms

Stay observant—but not alarmed. And most importantly, speak to a doctor about any lump that is painful, persistent, or concerning. Getting clarity early is the best way to protect both your health and your peace of mind.