Knots on legs

[Kathy]

My son has about 3 or 4 knots on his legs.  They are about the size of a half dollar.  They have been there a few years and feel hard to the touch.  He says now they are sore and feel like a bruise.  He is in his late 20's.  He is not much on going to the doctor.  Is this something he should be worried about.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Kathy:

While it's obviously impossible to tell you with certainty, I can say that it's most unlikely for a male in his 20's to have skin cancer on his legs, and certainly not 4 of them.  Chances are they are moles or similar growths, which can feel sore sometimes.

You're right --  many men don't do doctors.  Perhpas the next time he goes for a general physical, his physician can glance at them.

Best (and don't worry!)

Dr. R

[ronnie king]

i am 30 years old, and recently found a knot on my upper leg,
around the underwear band on the leg.  i'ts kind of sore to the touch, but is not sore or bothersome other wise. the knot itself is rather hard , does not seem to move around. just wanted some advice.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Ronnie:

It's probably a benign growth called a dermatofibroma.  If it grows, or next time you get a physical, show it to your doctor.  If it goes away on its own, you don't have to do even that (it may be a healing follicle or insect bite.)

Best.

Dr. R

[Cynthia04]

A related discussion, Knot on my leg was started.