What to do about a lump on my back by left shoulder

[jessilb]

I was told to post my question about this here.  The lump feels like it is protruding but I cannot see it in the mirror, so it has to be under the skin.  It is smaller then a dime but bigger then a pencil mark.  It was suggested that I see a dermatologist on my other post.  What do you think?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Chances are more that it is a sebaceous cyst. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance called keratin.They may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected,Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

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.

[jessilb]

I have an appt. this thurs.  Thought I would let you know.  I will also let you know what happens.  I am just sick of lumps.  I have had 7 lumps on different parts of my body since I was 13, that's 23 years.  I just hate that they keep poping up and no one can tell me why.

[jessilb]

Thank you very much.  I will make an appointment and keep you informed.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a cyst, swollen lymph node or benign skin growth. You need to get this lump examined from a surgeon and get a FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) of the lump. FNAB is aspiration of the material of the glands which is done by a fine gauge needle (22 or 25 gauge) and a syringe.

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.