Is It Normal to Feel Xiphoid Process?

Elena Rostova
Elena Rostova
• • 6 min read

Xiphoid Process - Normal Lump at Bottom of Breastbone: the Small Hard Lump at the Lower End of the Sternum (Breastbone Breastbone the Xiphoid Process...

Is It Normal to Feel Xiphoid Process?

Xiphoid Process - Normal Lump at Bottom of Breastbone:
The small hard lump at the lower end of the sternum (breastbone
breastbone
The xiphoid process /ˈzaɪfɔɪd/, or xiphisternum or metasternum, is a small cartilaginous process (extension) of the inferior (lower) part of the sternum, which is usually ossified in the adult human.
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) is normal. It is called the xiphoid process. You can feel it. It is more prominent in babies and slender children.

Is it normal to see your xiphoid process?

However, about 5% of people have what is called a “protruding” xiphoid process. For these people, the xiphoid protrudes out of the chest, forming a lump that may look like a tumour. It's totally harmless though and a perfectly natural phenomenon.

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What causes a protruding xiphoid process?

Anterior displacement of the xiphoid process may be the result of significant weight gain. Repeated trauma of the afflicted area, unaccustomed heavy lifting, exercise, and perichondritis are, amongst other causes, believed to contribute to the development of xiphodynia.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist
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Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.