Sternal Swelling and Mass

The sternum or breastbone is the central bone at the front of the chest to which the clavicle (collarbone) and ribs attach. It is an elongated flat bone made up of three parts – manubrium (uppermost part), body of the sternum (longest part in the middle) and the xiphoid process (short pointed part at the bottom). Most of the sternum that can be felt in detail over the skin on the chest wall especially in a thin person.

The sternum is not a smooth bone – there notches at the top (suprasternal notch) and facets on the sides for the clavicle and ribs to attach to, it also has several transverse ridges on the sternal body. The xiphoid process with its pointed end may at times be felt as a small lump at the bottom of the sternum. Overall however, the sternum sits somewhat flush with the rest of the chest wall.

Sometimes there may be swelling in or over the sternum or isolated lumps (masses) that can be felt or can even be seen over the sternum. These abnormalities need to be investigated as it may be a clinical sign of certain underlying diseases.

continue reading Sternal Swelling, Mass and Lumps Over the Breastbone

What is the sternum?

The sternum, commonly referred to as the breastbone, is a flat elongated bone at front of the chest. It is the bone to which the ribs attach to through the costal cartilages and the clavicle (collarbone)  meets with at the sternoclavicular joint . The sternum is a natural ‘shield’ that protects the important organs in the thoracic cavity – the heart and great blood vessels. It has three parts known as the manubrium (top), body of the sternum (middle) and xiphoid process (bottom).

Anatomy of the Sternum

The sternum lies just under the skin and can be easily felt on the front of the chest. It is about 17 centimeters in length on average extending from just below the neck to the upper border of the abdomen. The sternum is usually longer in males than in females.

continue reading Sternum (Manubrium, Body, Xiphoid Process) Location and Anatomy

A popping or cracking noise emanating from the sternum (breastbone) is usually associated with the joints between the breastbone and ribs. These bones are connected to each other by a length of cartilage (costal cartilage) that extends from the rib and attaches to the sternum.

The cartilage of the first seven ribs articulate with the sternum at the sternocostal joints. These cartilages also articulate with the ribs at the costochondral joints. The clavicle also articulates with the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint although this is less likely to be associated with any audible clicking. The popping or cracking noise may be accompanied by breast bone pain, tenderness and/or joint swelling.

continue reading Popping, Cracking, Clicking Sternum (Breastbone) Rib Joint