I recently noticed one of my ribs on the left side is a little larger than the one on my right. I don't have any pains or symptoms. Should I be concerned? I did have radiation treatment 15 years ago for Hodgkin's Disease.

What you describe should not raise any real concern. If you have been aware of a difference for a long time and there does not seem to be a change, that would be even more reassuring. However, this is the type of item I would put on your list to show your physician at your next routine visit.

Our bodies often have a certain degree of difference from one side to the other. This is probably in some part genetic. Also, using one side more than the other may lead to small differences, as does injuries. Depending on where you were irradiated and your age at the time, perhaps the radiation treatment resulted in a small difference in the rib development.

Given your history, please show your doctor the difference you have noted. He or she will probably be able to reassure you very quickly that you are noticing the type of differences that are normal.

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Joshua Rassen

-- Joshua Rassen, MD, is a board-certified internist and geriatrician in northern California. He has a private practice in geriatrics and internal medicine and is the Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at California Pacific Medical Center.

First published March 29, 2005
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