Swelling Under the Right Ribs
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Try one of these related symptoms.
Swelling under ribs right side
Swelling in right abdomen below ribs
Area under right rib cage hurts
Bloating under ribs
Painless lump under right rib cage
Tender spot under right rib cage
Painful lump on rib cage right side
Pressure under right rib cage
Nausea
Enlarged liver
Right upper abdomen swelling
Abdominal pain
Possible Causes
Generally, Swelling under the right ribs can be related to:
- Portal Hypertension
A condition observed in advanced liver disease. Liver scarring compresses the blood vessels running through it and reduces their blood flood.
- Malignant Lymphoma
A malignant lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the body's lymphatic system cells and can spread to other body parts. There are dozens of different kinds of lymphomas which are broadly categorized as "Hodgkins Lymphomas" and "Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas" (NHL). The different types are also classified by the cell type the cancer comes from and each different type of lymphoma has its own patterns of spread, treatments, and prognosis The most frequent symptom is swollen lymph nodes. Fevers, night sweats, itchiness, and fatigue can also be seen with lymphomas as can difficulty breathing or abdominal pain. Risk factors include age, family history, a weakened immune system from medications or illness, prior cancer treatments, viral infections such as Epstein-Barr and HIV.
- Liver Cancer
Also known as liver cancer. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma. Causes include chronic viral infections, like Hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, or fatty liver disease that have caused chronic inflammation and/or cirrhosis.
- Gaucher Disease
- Vasculitis (including Cryoglobulinemia)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Hemangiosarcoma
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Swelling under the right ribs may be related to these serious diseases:
- Myocardial Infarction (MI) / Unstable Angina
These are often grouped together under the term "Acute Coronary Syndrome" (ACS) and are potentially life-threatening. This occurs when a blood vessel supplying the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and a family history of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., stroke, heart disease).
- Splenic Infarction
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you feel a hard lump in your upper right abdomen?
- How long have you had swelling or hardness under your right ribs?
- How has the liver swelling changed since it started?
Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Right upper abdominal/tummy region swelling
- Swelling in the area under my right ribs
- Area under my right ribs feels tense
- Area under my right ribs feels hard
- Right hypochondriac region swelling
Find Similar Symptoms
Similar symptoms or complaints
Symptoms from similar body parts
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
FAQs
Q.
What Causes Twitching Under Right Rib Cage But No Pain?
A.
Twitching under the right rib cage without pain is most often caused by small, involuntary muscle contractions, which can be due to things like stress, muscle fatigue, or electrolyte changes.
References:
de Carvalho M, Swash M. Cramps, muscle pain, and fasciculations: not always benign? Neurology. 2004 Aug 24;63(4):721-3. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000134609.56166.15. PMID: 15326252.
Diringer M. Neurologic manifestations of major electrolyte abnormalities. Handb Clin Neurol. 2017;141:705-713. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63599-0.00038-7. PMID: 28190443.
Q.
What Causes Painful Lump on the Right Side Rib Cage for Female?
A.
A painful lump on the right side of the rib cage in a female can have many causes and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6888/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6888/
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/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK569245/
Freeman AM, Matto P. Lymphadenopathy. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Zhang D, Jiao C, Xi S, Wang L, Li R, Zhang Q. Evaluation of surgical outcomes in elderly patients with rib fractures: A single-centre propensity score matching study. Front Surg. 2023 Apr 18;10:1174365. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1174365. PMID: 37143770; PMCID: PMC10151702.
Q.
What Causes Tender Lump Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
A tender lump under the right rib cage can be caused by several things such as a hernia, a benign growth like a lipoma, or, in rare cases, a tumor.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6888/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6888/
Lichon S, Khachemoune A. Clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment of hand lipomas: a review. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Sep;27(3):137-139. PMID: 30244263.
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.
Q.
What Causes Painless Lump on the Right Side of Rib Cage?
A.
A painless lump on the right side of the rib cage can be due to a variety of causes including fatty growths, lymph nodes, or cysts.
References:
Lichon S, Khachemoune A. Clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment of hand lipomas: a review. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Sep;27(3):137-139. PMID: 30244263.
Abe H, Kamimura K. Basics, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Liver Tumor. J Clin Med. 2023 Jan 9;12(2):524. doi: 10.3390/jcm12020524. PMID: 36675453; PMCID: PMC9861884.
Freeman AM, Matto P. Lymphadenopathy. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
Why Am I Having Uncomfortable Feeling Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
An uncomfortable feeling under your right rib cage can be due to digestive issues like acid reflux or indigestion, or even from muscle tension influenced by stress.
References:
Gerson LB. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Nov;8(11):763-4. PMID: 24672414; PMCID: PMC3966174.
Crofford LJ. Psychological aspects of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015 Feb;29(1):147-55. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2015.04.027. Epub 2015 May 21. PMID: 26267008; PMCID: PMC5061342.
Madisch A, Andresen V, Enck P, Labenz J, Frieling T, Schemann M. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Mar 30;115(13):222-232. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0222. PMID: 29669681; PMCID: PMC5938438.
Q.
What Does It Mean When Females Have Sharp Pain Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
In females, sharp pain under the right rib cage can have many causes—from common issues like acid reflux or muscle strain to rarer, more serious conditions such as heart problems or a lung clot.
References:
Ali RA, Egan LJ. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2007;21(5):793-806. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2007.05.006. PMID: 17889808.
El-Menyar A, Al-Thani H, Mekkodathil A, et al. Atypical presentation of acute coronary syndrome: A significant independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. _J Cardiol_. 2011;57(2):165-170. doi:10.1016/j.jjcc.2010.10.001.
Kesikburun S, Güzelküçük Ü, Fidan U, Demir Y, Ergün A, Tan AK. Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018 Nov 19;10(12):229-234. doi: 10.1177/1759720X18812449. PMID: 30515249; PMCID: PMC6262502.
Morrone D, Morrone V. Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Focus on the Clinical Picture. Korean Circ J. 2018 May;48(5):365-381. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2017.0314. Erratum in: Korean Circ J. 2018 Jul;48(7):661-663. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2017.0998. PMID: 29737640; PMCID: PMC5940642.
Q.
Why Do I Feel Pressure Under Right Rib Cage ?
A.
You might feel pressure under your right rib cage because of any number of reasons including muscle strain, acid reflux, or liver/gallbladder issues.
References:
Kesikburun S, Güzelküçük Ü, Fidan U, Demir Y, Ergün A, Tan AK. Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018 Nov 19;10(12):229-234. doi: 10.1177/1759720X18812449. PMID: 30515249; PMCID: PMC6262502.
Gerson LB. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Nov;8(11):763-4. PMID: 24672414; PMCID: PMC3966174.
Sharma A, Nagalli S. Chronic Liver Disease. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Causes A Hard Lump Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
A hard lump under the right rib cage can sometimes be due to a type of growth on the bone, like a tumor or cyst. These growths might be benign (non-cancerous) or less commonly more serious, so it is important to get them checked by a doctor.
References:
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.
Kamdem M, El Hammoumi M, Amraoui M, Bhairis M, Oukabli M, Kabiri EH. Aneurysmal bone cyst: a rare surgical tumor of the rib. Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol. 2021 Dec;18(4):268-271. doi: 10.5114/kitp.2021.112198. Epub 2022 Jan 9. PMID: 35079273; PMCID: PMC8768859.
Sivrikoz MC, Döner E, Durceylan E. Intraosseous lipoma of the rib. Turk Gogus Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Derg. 2019 Oct 23;27(4):590-592. doi: 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2019.18040. PMID: 32082933; PMCID: PMC7018170.
Q.
What Organ Is There Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
The main organ under the right rib cage is the liver, which helps clean your blood and makes bile for digesting food.
References:
Xuefeng X, Park JY (2016) Hepatic Functions and its Disorders. J Liver 5: e111. doi:10.4172/2167-0889.1000e111.
Jones MW, Small K, Kashyap S, et al. Physiology, Gallbladder. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Shahid Z, Burns B. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Diaphragm. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Chaudhry R, Omole AE, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Thorax, Lungs. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Causes Dull Pain Under Right Rib Cage That Comes and Goes?
A.
Dull pain under your right rib cage that comes and goes might be caused by issues with your digestive, musculoskeletal, or respiratory systems.
References:
Guthrie E, Thompson D. Abdominal pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders. BMJ. 2002 Sep 28;325(7366):701-3. PMID: 12351366; PMCID: PMC1124226.
Baiu I, Hawn MT. Gallstones and Biliary Colic. _JAMA._ 2018;320(15):1612. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.11868
Madisch A, Andresen V, Enck P, Labenz J, Frieling T, Schemann M. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Mar 30;115(13):222-232. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0222. PMID: 29669681; PMCID: PMC5938438.
Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. 2024 Apr 20. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30422526.
Q.
What Causes Swelling Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
Swelling under the right rib cage can result from several issues such as bloating or issues with nearby organs.
References:
Foley A, Burgell R, Barrett JS, Gibson PR. Management Strategies for Abdominal Bloating and Distension. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014 Sep;10(9):561-71. PMID: 27551250; PMCID: PMC4991532.
Barry K. Chronic Pancreatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Mar 15;97(6):385-393. PMID: 29671537.
Alshoabi SA, Alhamodi DS, Alhammadi MA, Alshamrani AF. Etiology of Hydronephrosis in adults and children: Ultrasonographic Assessment in 233 patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Sep-Oct;37(5):1326-1330. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.5.3951. PMID: 34475906; PMCID: PMC8377938.
Freeman AM, Matto P. Lymphadenopathy. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
Is It Common to Have Pain Under Right Rib Cage When Pregnant?
A.
Yes, it is common for pregnant women to experience pain under the right rib cage due to hormones which can lead to acid reflux and musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy.
References:
Ali RA, Egan LJ. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2007;21(5):793-806. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2007.05.006. PMID: 17889808.
Kesikburun S, Güzelküçük Ü, Fidan U, Demir Y, Ergün A, Tan AK. Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018 Nov 19;10(12):229-234. doi: 10.1177/1759720X18812449. PMID: 30515249; PMCID: PMC6262502.
Q.
What Causes Pain Under Right Rib Cage After Eating?
A.
Pain under your right rib cage after eating can be related to digestive issues.
References:
Gerson LB. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Nov;8(11):763-4. PMID: 24672414; PMCID: PMC3966174.
Madisch A, Andresen V, Enck P, Labenz J, Frieling T, Schemann M. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Mar 30;115(13):222-232. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0222. PMID: 29669681; PMCID: PMC5938438.
Domaszewski P, Pakosz P, Konieczny M, Bączkowicz D, Sadowska-Krępa E. Caffeine-Induced Effects on Human Skeletal Muscle Contraction Time and Maximal Displacement Measured by Tensiomyography. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 2;13(3):815. doi: 10.3390/nu13030815. PMID: 33801251; PMCID: PMC8001539.
Q.
What Causes Muscle Spasm Under Right Rib Cage?
A.
A muscle spasm under the right rib cage is usually caused by your muscles contracting suddenly due to issues like injury, muscle fatigue, or electrolyte imbalances.
References:
Diringer M. Neurologic manifestations of major electrolyte abnormalities. Handb Clin Neurol. 2017;141:705-713. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63599-0.00038-7. PMID: 28190443.
Bordoni B, Sugumar K, Varacallo MA. Muscle Cramps. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
Why Am I Having Sudden Sharp Pain Under Right Rib Cage When Breathing?
A.
Sudden, sharp pain under your right rib cage when breathing may be related to muscle strain or inflammation, but it can also be a sign more serious conditions like a blood clot in the lungs.
References:
Ayloo A, Demehri FR, Ahmed A. Evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal chest pain. _Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice_. 2013;40(4):863-887. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2013.07.003.
Morrone D, Morrone V. Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Focus on the Clinical Picture. Korean Circ J. 2018 May;48(5):365-381. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2017.0314. Erratum in: Korean Circ J. 2018 Jul;48(7):661-663. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2017.0998. PMID: 29737640; PMCID: PMC5940642.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
National Library of Medicine
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003274.htm