What could cause a lump in the upper abdomen below the sternum?

There are several possibilities for the cause of a lump in the upper abdomen just below your sternum. One common explanation is a benign soft-tissue lesion such as a lipoma or an epidermal inclusion cyst, which are non-cancerous growths that can form in the skin or just below it.

In other cases, infections may be involved. For example, tuberculosis can affect the chest wall near the xiphisternum, leading to inflammation and the formation of a lump in that area. Additionally, conditions affecting the sternum itself can present as a mass felt below the sternum.

Doctors typically use imaging techniques such as ultrasound to assess these superficial lesions. The imaging not only helps to define the size and characteristics of the lump but also to rule out more serious issues. Because the nature of these lumps can vary widely, you can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before consulting with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, appropriate treatment.