Medical Advice for Odd Lumps
Finding an unexplained lump or bump on your body can be terrifying. It's only natural to envision cancer and other scary illnesses. Often, such lumps and bumps are actually innocent and do not indicate a serious condition. However, it is a good idea to know what to look for and when to call the doctor.
Identification
Sometimes people discover small lumps on their necks, under their armpits or in their groin areas. According to "Women's Health Magazine," these pea-sized lumps may be lymph nodes, which filter toxins and old blood cells from the body. When you're sick with something like a cold or an infection caused by bacteria, these nodes can swell up, even if the infection is in another part of your body. Usually, this is not cause for alarm, but you should call a doctor if a swollen lymph node grows larger than pea size and the swelling continues for more than 14 days. If it gets very large, your doctor may need to perform a biopsy to rule out cancer.
Types
There are many types of things that cause lumps and bumps on the body. According to MedlinePlus, some of the most common are cysts, which are sacks under the skin that contain fluid or a partially liquid substance; warts, which are skin viruses that produce hard bumps; boils, which are painful bumps; abscesses, which are lumps caused by infected liquid that is trapped in the body; and fatty lumps called lipomas that develop under the skin. However, it can be difficult for the average person to recognize the difference between a benign lump and something troubling. As such, it's smart to inform your doctor of any strange lumps you develop, letting her decide whether an examination is necessary.
Considerations
Sometimes a lump or bump crops up on a person's foot. According to "Women's Health Magazine," this may be a simple bunion, which is caused by an overgrowth of bone or tissue around the joint area. You can use home remedies to combat the pain and swelling, but you should call your doctor if the pain and swelling persist. An unexplained lump may also be a corn, which is thickened skin that results from frequent pressure or friction.
Misconceptions
It is a misconception that the size of the lump indicates whether it is benign or serious. The truth is even very small lumps can mean cancer or infection. If you discover a small, marble-like lump, however, it may be a benign cyst or even a small lump of fat cells. Usually, they go away on their own. If it persists for more than 60 days, even if it remains small, contact your doctor. Also, let your doctor know if it increases in size. According to WebMD, any soreness, discoloration and pus also should also stimulate a call to a physician, since these symptoms may indicate an infection.
Warning
Some types of lumps warrant a visit to your doctor as soon as possible. For example, lumps in the breast require a visit to the doctor to rule out cancerous tumors. The same goes for lumps in the armpit, a common location for the early detection of breast cancer. According to MedlinePlus, a swollen lymph node in this area may indicate a drainage problem that could be related to breast cancer. According to WebMD, lumps in testicles should also be examined by a doctor to rule out cancer.
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