How do you differentiate the painless, central small lump, just under the sternum as xiphoid process or epigastric hernia?

Hernia or not?: Biggest way to differentiate is does this area change with flexion of the abdominal muscles. i.e. lay flat and lift the feet up off the bed (a leg lift). Does the lump come out? If it does, it is a hernia. How about squat down and lift something. Same rule applies. Now, without a large lump it does not necessarily mean no hernia, but if it does, that is the answer.