Weird lump on arm...

[caryatidfallen]

I'm a 24 year old white female. About 2 months ago, I had a tiny bump on my arm which I picked at, and didn't think much of it. It grew a bit bigger, and I thought it might just have gotten infected. It's grown quite large now, and I'm starting to get really worried. It's over 1cm across, is fleshy (not fluid filled) and is raised significantly from the skin. The lump itself doesn't hurt, but the surrounding skin is tender. It's pink most of the time, but it seeps a clear fluid (no smell), which crusts over, with blood underneath. It also bleeds very easily when it get bumped, if the crust is removed, or if I happen to lay on that arm when I sleep. I do plan on seeing a doctor about it, but I need to get insurance first. Thank you for your time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be a cyst. Cysts may be small (< 1cm) or large and they may develop slowly or appear suddenly. Treatment of  a cyst involves fine needle aspiration of the fluid. The aspirated fluid is then sent for histopathological examination to look out for any malignancy. In severe cases surgery may be required.

So I sincerely suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get an examination to confirm the diagnosis.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[caryatidfallen]

Bump.