Small Lump in arm?

I have a b.b. size lump under the skin of my arm where my arm bends. It is hard. At one point along time ago it was really big and the skin around it was bruised. Does anyone know what this is?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This kind of bump can be a swollen lymph node,a sebaceous cyst or a lipoma. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection along with other numerous causes.Treatment is usually cold compresses,over the counter anti-inflammatory analgesics(pain killers) like acetaminophen or ibuprofen,antibiotics if cause of infection is suspected to be a bacteria and surgical drainage if there is any abscess formation.
Sebaceous cyst is a closed sac or cyst below the surface of the skin that has a lining that resembles the uppermost part (infundibulum) of a hair follicle and fills with a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis.It is usually painless but can become painful if infected.Then antibiotics are needed.
Lipoma is a benign tumor of the fat cells.It is usually self limiting.
Hope it helps.Take care and regards.