Lumps and bumps are localised swollen areas that occur on or under the skin. Infections, tumours, body’s response to trauma or injury cause lumps and bumps. Bumps can be caused due to acne, cysts, boils, moles, lipomas, skin rash, or skin cancer.
Lumps are commonly called tumours which can be benign or malignant. Benign tumours are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body, and may include cysts, nodules, lipomas, haematoma, hemangioma, and papilloma. Malignant tumours are cancerous tumours, which include breast tumours, that invade the surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are soft nodules of tissue and they are a part of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes help to identify germs, infections, and other foreign substances that invade our body. They are found throughout the body and become swollen from infection or other inflammatory conditions of the body.
Diseases of the lymph node may be caused due to infection, inflammation, an abscess or cancer. Some of the diseases of the lymph nodes are
- Lymphadenopathy– Refers to swelling or enlargement of one or more lymph nodes occurring due to local or systemic conditions or diseases. Lymphadenopathy can be localised or generalised.
- Hodgkin’s disease– Cancer of the lymph tissue found in the lymph node that may spread to spleen, liver, bone marrow and other organs.
- Lymphadenitis– It is an infection of the lymph nodes and is a common complication of bacterial infections.
Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes are frequently found in the neck, armpit, under the jaw or chin, behind the ears and on the back of the head.
Swollen lymph nodes are diagnosed by physical examination to check palpable lymph nodes for size, texture, tenderness and other features.
Pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be prescribed to relieve pain and to reduce the swelling. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics and anti-viral medicines. Cancer of the lymph node is treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Lipomas
Lipomas are slow growing tumours that arise from fat cells. They are soft or rubbery, round, movable and flattened and are found under the skin. They are most commonly non-cancerous tumours occurring in adults. They usually grow in the face, neck, shoulders, back, or arms and may develop between 40 and 60 years of age.
Treatment for lipomas is usually not required, unless the tumour becomes painful or restricts the movements. Surgical removal of lipomas involves a usually limited incision over the tumour with piecemeal and complete removal.
Risks of general surgery include:
- Formation of haematoma
- Injury to the nearby tissues, blood vessels, or nerves
- Scarring
- Irritation and injury to the muscles
If you wish to be advised on the most appropriate treatment, please call to schedule an appointment or click to request an appointment online.
