A related discussion,
sebaceous cysts under scalp was started.
Thank you for the comment. I was looking for feedback to made me worry less and I feel better about it.
A cyst would be the most common cause of a soft tissue lump that you described. With a negative CT scan, it would be less likely that this is cancer. If the plastic surgeon suspects something suspicious when it is removed, then it will be sent for further analysis to rule out the possibility of cancer.
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.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
I have a question for you, unrelated to this thread but nevertheless I could use an educated opinion on this matter.
When someone sustains a head injury, doctors have to determine the severity of the injury from my understanding. Based on how the patient presents, they determine whether it's physiologic or structural.
If it's not a structural injury, is *Actual* brain damage still possible? Just because injury doesn't show up on the CT, does that mean it didn't happen?
Second question: lets say the patient didn't lose consciousness, didn't have post-traumatic amnesia, didn't have dizziness, headache, or nausea, but complained of continuing cognitive slowing....is it possible that brain injury could have occured from a hart hit in the head which didn't produce the classic symptoms?
what are your thoughts? (lets say this patient is an otherwise healthy mid-twenties male who sustained this head injury in a recreational activity).
Thanks in advance.
By far the most common thing is a sebaceous cyst, which is a plugged oil gland. They can happen nearly anywhere you have skin, and are particularly common on the scalp. I'm amazed your doctor would have ordered an xray and CT scan for such a thing. In nearly all cases they can be diagnosed by exam only; it's usually a simple office procedure to remove them. It's also safe to leave them alone if they don't bother enough to want removal. They may continue to grow, and they can become infected, which is unpleasant, but they're not otherwise dangerous. What you describe is almost certainly a sebaceous cyst. Cancer in that location with the characteristics you describe is nearly unheard of.
I have a lump also on the right side by my hairline also. It has been there for about 5 years. When I had very dry skin it,shrunk up. Now that there is more oil on my skin, it has come back. I actually get them all over the place, some hurt, some don't. They are just annoying. I tend to get them when I am under alot of stress. My doctor said the same thing as this Med Doc. has said.