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Published on: 8/20/2026
A painful lump on the right side of the rib cage in a female may result from several causes, including muscle strain, rib injury, costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage), lipomas (benign fatty growths), cysts, hernias, or, less commonly, infections or tumors. Because symptoms can overlap between minor and serious conditions, a proper evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding what's causing your symptoms is the first step toward peace of mind and proper care. Before scheduling an appointment or heading to urgent care, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's private, doctor-developed, and can help you identify possible causes and next steps based on your unique symptoms—empowering you to have a more informed conversation with your provider.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
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Painful lumps on the right rib cage can be due to several conditions affecting the chest wall and surrounding structures. Some common causes include costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage), swollen lymph nodes from infection, and healing rib injuries. The specific location and characteristics of the lump, along with any accompanying symptoms, can help determine the underlying cause. Abscesses can also form in the chest wall tissue, causing painful, swollen areas that may feel like lumps. These develop when bacteria cause a localized infection, leading to a collection of pus that can be tender to touch. In women, breast lumps can sometimes extend to the rib area, particularly when breast tissue reaches toward the side of the chest. This is especially true for those with dense or fibrocystic breast tissue. In some cases, benign tumors like lipomas (fatty tissue growths) may form beneath the skin, while rarely, more serious tumors like sarcomas can affect the soft tissues or bones. It is important to remember that each of these conditions is different. If you're experiencing a painful lump, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify possible causes, and any painful lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
(References)
Conze J, Klinge U, Schumpelick V. Hernias. In: Holzheimer RG, Mannick JA, editors. Surgical Treatment: Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented. Munich: Zuckschwerdt; 2001.
Proulx AM, Zryd TW. Costochondritis: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 15;80(6):617-20. PMID: 19817327.
Internet]. Ann Arbor (MI): Michigan Medicine University of Michigan; 2021 Dec. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK569245/
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