When to worry about a lump under skin

We all can agree that finding a lump under the skin is never a good sign. But, to ease the tension, you should know that all lumps are not harmful or cancerous in nature. So, if you notice a lump under your skin, read here to find out what that lump is and what you can do about it.

What are the most common causes of lumps under the skin?

People are usually concerned about abnormal growths that appear as a lump or bump under the skin. There are many medical conditions due to which such lumps can appear, such as:

1. Cysts

A cyst can appear anywhere on the body as a closed pocket of tissue that contains debris or fluids. It can appear due to clogged oil glands or hair follicles. They feel soft when they are close to the skin surface and hard when they form beneath the skin. 

The different types of cysts that can appear on different parts of the body are:

• Ganglion cysts that appear commonly on wrists and hands
• Synovial cysts that commonly develop on the spine 
• Pilar cysts that appear on the scalp
• Mucous cysts can form on toes, feet, or even inside the mouth.

2. Dermatofibroma

These are red or hard brown lumps under the skin that develops when excess cells start depositing in the thickest layer of the skin, called the dermis. 

3. Swollen Lymph Node

Lymph nodes often swell up and form a lump when they are fighting a bacterial or viral infection. They feel hard and cause immense pain. It can form in the neck, armpits, head, or groin region. 

4. Lipomas

A lipoma is a benign tumor that compromises of fatty tissues that are non-cancerous. They can also appear on any part of the body. The most common locations are the neck, shoulders, thighs, abdomen, forearms, etc. 

5. Fibroadenoma

It is also a benign tumour that appears in the breasts and consists of fibrous and gland tissues. These lumps shrink automatically during menopause and don’t cause pain. 

All these conditions may cause the formation of hard or soft lumps under your skin. Out of all these, some conditions, such as cysts, lipomas, and swollen lymph nodes are benign and non-cancerous, and harmless. Other than that, conditions like dermatofibroma, keratoacanthoma, skin abscess, ganglion cysts, and hernia also cause lumps that may or may not be painful until they become severe. 

In most cases, it is generally swollen lymph nodes or lipomas that commonly cause lumps under the skin in both men and women.

How to determine a lump is cancerous?

The human mind has the tendency to think the worst most of the time. However, not all lumps are a cause of concern. If the lump on your skin has the following symptoms, it means it is not cancerous:

• The lump is soft to touch 
• The lump moves when touched 
• If the lump grows and hurts during activities

If you are afraid of the lump under the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention from specialists.

Unlike the characteristics mentioned above, there are other attributes of lumps that can indicate that it is a matter of concern. These attributes involve:

• When the lump is hard and feels like a rock under the skin. 
• If the lump bleeds or has a drainage hole on the skin.
• If there is a wound around the lump. 
• If the lump is growing rapidly. 

In case the lump under your skin has these symptoms, we advise you to consult a cancer specialist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to complications and increase the chances that cancer goes undiagnosed for a long time. Only a medical expert will be able to determine whether the lump is actually cancerous or not.

Who should I consult for the skin lump?

If you have a lump under the skin, and you want to consult a doctor, then you can talk to either a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. Both are experts in removing lumps from the skin. Some lumps are benign and can be treated using medications whereas others may require surgical intervention.

The most appropriate method for treatment will be determined by the doctor after the proper diagnosis of the lump. Typically, for accurate diagnosis and to rule out the possibility of cancer, the doctor will suggest a biopsy during diagnosis along with other tests like imaging tests and blood tests.

If you are diagnosed with lipoma, you can contact Pristyn Care and undergo lipoma removal surgery to get rid of the lump.

What are the treatment options for the lumps?

The treatment options for a lump depend on its cause. For instance, if you have a lipoma, then methods like liposuction or excision surgery can be used for treatment. If the lump is a cyst that has become infected or inflamed, the doctor may suggest draining it using the procedure called intralesional injection.

Whether the lump is present under the skin or right above the skin, there is usually a safe and effective way to remove the lump. You only need to explore your treatment options by consulting a specialist. 

The Bottom Line

There is no point worrying about the lump if you are not ready to take action to get proper treatment. Regardless of the size, location, and type of lump, it is necessary that you get diagnosed and discuss your treatment options in detail with experts.

You can get in touch with Pristyn Care and book an appointment with our doctors to get proper treatment for lumps that are caused due to lipomas.