Cysts?

[Dave F]

I have various bumps under the skin of my upper thighs, and waistline.  They vary in size from pea sized to maybe 7mm.  They don't bother me in any way but do concern me.  The first one started in 7th grade and they have been increasing in number since.  I am now 37.  I asked my doctor a long while back if I should be concerned and he said "If they don't hurt or bother you, don't worry about them."  Should I be concerned?

[mack]

i have been breastfeeding for six weeks.  in the last few days i have noticed a swollen bump on my areola.  it is extremely sensitive and sore to touch.  it seems to have become slightly bigger in just a few days.  i am just a little concerned.  i will visit with my o.b. in three weeks.  should i wait until then?
scared and concerned in Texas

[Ann]

Recently I have found those little bumps, maybe 2, under my right arm pit. i heard they could be blocked hair follicles or cysts. I am concerned. Are they cancerous at all? I also have those pimple like bumps around my areola and am wondering if i have cancerous cells in me? The pimple like things on my areola have been there for awhile and the little bumps in my armpit have formed in the last couple days. can you explain please?

[Tammy]

I have had a knot on my finger for 3 months,I was told it was a cyst.Can it be cancerous,can it grow,should it be removed?It is a little sore when you put any pressure on it,should i be concerned,should it be removed?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Dave:

Nope.  They're probably cysts or lipomas (collections of fat cells.)  Cancers don't develop over years and come in bunches.  If you think they're changing significantly, or if you just want more reassurance, show them to your doctor, or to another doctor, at your next physical.  But they sound unremarkable 9and common.)

Best.  Dr. R