scar tissue that grows and recedes?

I have a scar, over 10 years old at this point, on my skull, center of forehead.  It is from a rock climbing fall.  It was stitched nicely, no lasting damage really from the original injury.  About a year ago I noticed that the scar seemed like a large lump was under it.  I didn't know if it was scar tissue or a deformity from the injury that I had never noticed before or what, but it seemed to be getting more pronounced at the time.  A friend said I should go in, but I never did.  When I finally did see a GP for a routine check up, maybe 6 months ago or less, it was gone.  I should have had him take measurements, because I think it is growing back again.  It is just a lump that is very gradual, directly below the line of the scar, maybe 4 cm long or a little more ... it conforms with the scar well, which is to say that it is not like a pea shaped cyst or other lumps I sometimes get that the doc has said not to worry about (calling them subaceous cycsts ...whatever) this is along the scar, higher in the center, and I fear, growing again.  What could this be?  I have started taking calcium again lately, don't know what my intake was before, seems a silly insignificant connection, but I am baffled - I have been drinking slightly more alcohol, but just slightly and not for long - I have been significantly more stressed lately ... over the last 2 weeks, I noticed the lump within the last week - when I get stressed I lose hair, lots of hair, all kinds of things ... could this be stress related or am I dying of syndrome xyz? (that last part was a joke, but I am worried about this)

[Kevin Pho, MD]

One consideration would be a keloid.  This is an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that usually develops after healing of a skin injury. The tissue extends beyond the borders of the original wound, usually does not regress spontaneously, and tends to recur after excision.

If this is the diagnosis, you may want to discuss the various options for treatment.  This can include compression therapy, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, excision, radiation therapy, laser therapy, interferon therapy, or imiquimod 5% cream.

You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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