ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Skin lumps

Definition

Skin lumps are any abnormal lump or swelling on the skin.

Considerations

Many people wonder if small bumps or lumps on the body are something to worry about. The majority of lumps that appear on your body are harmless, especially the kind that feel soft and roll easily (lipomas).

Most lumps and swellings are benign (not cancerous). In general, when a lump or swelling appears suddenly (over 24 - 48 hours) and is painful, it is usually caused by an injury or an infection. If the lump comes on slowly over several days or weeks and does not hurt, it may be a tumor.

Causes

• Lipomas, fatty lumps under the skin
• Enlarged lymph glands, usually in the armpits, neck, and groin
• Cyst, a closed sac in or under the skin that is lined with skin tissue and contains fluid or semisolid material
• Boils, painful, red bumps usually involving a hair follicle
• Corn or callus, caused by skin thickening in response to continued pressure (for example, from shoes) and usually occurring on a toe or foot
• Warts, a skin virus that develops a rough, hard bump, usually appearing on a hand or foot and often with tiny black dots in the bump
• Moles, skin-colored, tan, or brown bumps on the skin
• Abscess, infected fluid trapped in a closed space from which it cannot escape
• Cancer of the skin (colored or pigmented spot that bleeds easily, changes size or shape, or crusts and doesn't heal)

Home Care

Skin lumps from trauma can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Most other lumps should be looked at by your health care provider before you try any home treatments.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if there is any unexplained lump or swelling.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms, including:

• Where is the lump?
• When did you first notice it?
• Is there more than one lump?
• What does the lump look like?
• What other symptoms do you have?

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done.