Sternal tumors in childhood are rare and their presentation is alarming for care takers and medical professionals. It is important to distinguish benign sternal tumors from malignancies to avoid unnecessary (invasive) diagnostic procedures and treatment.

An 11 month old female infant presented at the Emergency Department with an acute pre-sternal located swelling without other complaints or abnormalities on physical examination. Ultrasound revealed a ‘dumbbell sign’ which in combination with the clinical presentation is typical for a benign sternal tumor called ‘SELSTOC’ (self-limiting sternal tumor of childhood). Further diagnostic procedures were not performed and a “wait and watch” strategy was followed. The tumor resolved spontaneously within weeks.

The self-limiting sternal tumor of childhood (SELSTOC) is an aseptic inflammatory process of unknown origin. It typically presents in young children and has a sub-acute onset. The mass has a solid to elastic consistency and is tender. There are no other complaints or physical abnormalities observed and ultrasound shows a typical ‘dumb bell’ shaped lesion of hypo-echoic, inhomogeneous aspect which is poorly vascularized and that has no correlation to surrounding tissue. The aforementioned characteristics warrant a ‘wait and see strategy’ as the swelling spontaneously resolves within 6 months and malignant degeneration or secondary infection has not been described following this policy. Knowledge of this entity is imperative to avoid unnecessary procedures and treatment.

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