Alternate Names: Fibromas; Lumps on the skin; Lipomas

Considerations: Most lumps and swellings are benign; some are caused by infection, others by injury, external pressure, inflammation, or obstruction to the flow of blood. Some are cancers. In general, when a lump or swelling appears suddenly (over 24 to 48 hours) and is painful, it is usually caused by an injury or an infection. On the other hand, if the lump comes on gradually (over several days or weeks) and does not hurt, it may be a tumor and should be seen by the doctor.

Common Causes:

• lipomas, fatty lumps under the skin
• fibromas, smooth growths 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) 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, fluid trapped in a closed space from which it cannot escape that becomes infected
• cancer of the skin (any colored or pigmented spot that bleeds easily, changes size or shape, or crusts and doesn’t heal)

Home Care: Fibromas, lipomas, or warts are harmless and do not need to be removed unless for cosmetic reasons. If the cause of the lump is in question, consult your health care provider.

For boils, relieve pain with gentle heat from warm-water soaks, a heating pad, hot water bottle, or lamp close to the skin. Prevent the spread of boils by using clean towels only once, or using paper towels and discarding them.

For cancer, consult your health care provider for therapy.

For skin lumps resulting from any other cause, follow the recommended therapy.

Call If:

• there is any unexplained lump or swelling.

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your skin lumps in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did you first notice the lump?
• location
  • Where is the lump?
  • Is there more than one?
• type
  • Is the lump rubbery or capable of changing shape (fluctuant)?
  • Is it sac-like cystic?
• location
  • Is it over a joint?
  • Is it over the back of the elbow (olecranon)?
  • Is it in the back of the heel (Achilles tendon)?
  • Is it over a muscle that extends or straightens a joint (extensor surface)?
• What other symptoms are also present?