Pink Bump on scalp that won't go away

Hi. I have had a pink bump on my scalp for about 5 years now and it is not going away. It is only painful when I squeeze it or keep touching it. Is there anyway I can tell if it is cancer or not? Thanks, Lisa.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like a small cyst, most likely a pilar cyst. Pilar cysts manifest as smooth, mobile, asymptomatic swellings, often in the scalp. Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected, Then surgical excision is needed. My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.