boil

About a year ago I had a boil/pimple on my shoulder.  It never drained, and now it is a hard and brown colored cyst like bump.  I am worried it might be something like skin cancer, but it hasn't gotten bigger or changed since it hardend up.  I poke at it but nothing comes out.  its just like whatever infection was in there never drained out and hardend in there.  should I be worried?  anyone have or know what this could be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The painless lump that you are having seems like 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.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.

[aunt juju]

Thank you>  I have an appt. tues to have it looked at.  I just worry cause it has been there so long and never went away....