Finding a lump on the chest wall is understandably worrying — but the majority are entirely benign. A lipoma, a sebaceous cyst, or a natural rib prominence accounts for most of them. All warrant a specialist assessment to confirm the cause, because a small proportion are soft tissue tumours or rib lesions that do require treatment. Dr Lawrence Okiror, Consultant Thoracic and Robotic Surgeon (GMC 6150382), assesses chest wall lumps at London Bridge Hospital within 2–3 days. Where a rib tumour is suspected, every case is discussed with specialist teams at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore — the UK’s leading centre for bone tumour management — before any surgical decision is made. No GP referral required.
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Dr Lawrence Okiror FRCS(CTh) FRCSEd(CTh) · GMC 6150382
Lipoma, sebaceous cyst, and rib prominence account for the majority of chest wall lumps. Clinical examination establishes this quickly. Reassurance based on a proper specialist assessment carries more weight than uncertainty.
A proportion are soft tissue tumours, primary rib tumours, or metastatic deposits that do need treatment. These are less common but important to identify. Imaging confirms the diagnosis where clinical examination is not sufficient.
Where a primary bone tumour of the rib is suspected, Dr Okiror discusses every case with specialist teams at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore — the UK’s leading bone tumour centre — before any surgical intervention is planned.
The range of possible causes is wide. Most are entirely harmless. The ones that are not are identifiable with imaging and treatable when found. Here is what a specialist looks for at the assessment.
Most Common — Benign
A harmless collection of fatty tissue under the skin. It feels soft, moveable, and changes little over time. It is the most common cause of a lump anywhere on the body, including the chest wall. Most do not need removal unless they are growing, causing discomfort, or the diagnosis needs confirming. Clinical examination is usually sufficient, though ultrasound confirms it if there is any uncertainty.
Common — Benign
A sebaceous cyst is a blocked skin gland that forms a firm, round sac under the skin, often with a visible central point. Rib prominences — where the rib or the junction between the rib and the cartilage becomes more noticeable than usual — are also entirely benign. Both are identifiable on clinical examination. Removal of a sebaceous cyst is a minor procedure if it becomes infected or bothersome.
Less Common — Needs Assessment
A soft tissue tumour of the chest wall — which may be benign (such as a desmoid tumour) or, less commonly, malignant (a sarcoma) — typically presents as a firm, deepening lump that may be growing. MRI is the investigation of choice. Where a malignant soft tissue tumour is found, management is planned with the specialist oncology team at GSTT and London Bridge Hospital before any surgical decision.
Least Common — Specialist Input Required
A primary tumour arising from the rib itself — which may be benign (osteochondroma, fibrous dysplasia) or malignant (Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma) — presents as a firm, bony swelling. CT and MRI define the extent. Dr Okiror discusses every suspected primary rib tumour with specialist teams at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore — the UK’s leading centre for bone tumour management — before any surgical intervention is planned. No patient proceeds to surgery without that specialist input.
Where a primary bone tumour of the rib is suspected, Dr Okiror discusses every case with specialist teams at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore — the UK’s leading centre for bone tumour management — before any surgical intervention is planned. No patient with a suspected rib tumour proceeds to surgery without that specialist team input. Every cancer case is also discussed at the London Bridge Hospital chest MDT, attended fortnightly by Dr Okiror alongside specialist oncologists.
RNOH
Stanmore — UK’s leading specialist bone tumour centre
Pre-Op
Specialist discussion before any surgical decision for rib tumours
MDT
Cancer cases discussed at LBH chest MDT, fortnightly
It is natural to be concerned, but the most likely explanation is benign. The majority are lipoma, sebaceous cyst, or rib prominence — all harmless. What matters is a proper assessment so you know exactly what it is. Most patients leave the first appointment with a clear diagnosis and a clear plan.
A lump that is hard and fixed (not moveable), growing, painful without trauma, or that involves the rib bone itself rather than the overlying soft tissue, warrants imaging. These features do not mean cancer — but they do mean investigation rather than observation alone is the right approach.
RNOH Stanmore is the UK’s leading specialist centre for bone tumour management. Where a primary rib tumour is suspected, specialist bone tumour expertise is essential for accurate diagnosis and for planning surgery correctly. Every such case is discussed with the RNOH specialist teams before any surgical decision is made. No patient with a suspected rib tumour proceeds to surgery without that input.
No. You can contact the practice directly and be seen within 2–3 days at London Bridge Hospital. If you have had any imaging of the lump already — ultrasound, CT, or MRI — bring it. New consultations from £250. Most major insurers accepted.
Questions most commonly asked by patients and families after noticing a lump on the chest wall.
Book an Assessment →Or call Jo Mitchelson:
020 7952 2882
No GP referral required. Private appointments at London Bridge Hospital within 2–3 days. Dr Okiror assesses the lump clinically and arranges imaging where needed. Where a rib tumour is suspected, specialist discussion with RNOH Stanmore takes place before any surgical decision.
Jo Mitchelson, Private PA · 020 7952 2882 · pa@lungsurgeon.co.uk
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