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Rib Exostosis

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Alexie90
Alexie90

Hopefully this is the right message board. I couldnt find anything else that really matched. During a chest CT a few months ago prior to surgery for a tumor removal in my bikini line, the CT showed that I have exostosis on 3 of my ribs on the right side.

per my CT, 4 mm bony exostosis arising from the cortex of the posterior right 4th rib, noting a smaller 2 to 3 mm area of cortical thickening in the similar location right posterior 3rd rib. there is an exostosis on the 5th rib right posterior too. but it doesnt state the size

but neither my PCP nor my surgical oncologist have ever said anything about it and if its anything to be concerned about. no clue what type of Dr/physician to see about it either.

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1 Reply

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee Alexie90

    Posted

    Hallo Alexei. These bony lumps are fairly rare on the ribs and often its because you have inherited the tendency to form them. Have either of your parents had them ? Or chest pain that no one can find a reason for?They are usually left alone unless they cause pain. I guess you have no pain or symptoms as you havent mentioned it.

    They usually grow in childhood and stop growing once the bony growth plates stop growing, in late teens

    They are usually removed via keyhole surgery, and if you want to follow this up you will need a Thoracic surgeon.

    You dont say what kind of tumour was removed from your abdomen, but if it was cancerous I am guessing you may be keen to have a biopsy of one of these bony growths, but do be guided by what your consultant advises.

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