Lump on lower back? Acne?

[msblue72]

For the past year, I've noticed a lump on my back, on the left side, underneath the skin has been about the size of a quarter. My skin is smooth, and to the touch it felt like a pimple, able to be moved around. However, over the past several weeks, it is getting less soft to the touch,feels like it's enlarged, and I am experiencing pain when I sit back on a chair, even if it is a soft armchair or couch. I do wash my back with acne wash to see if that will help and because I do work out at a gym, I wash and change my shirt when I get home. I am a woman in my mid 30's and have mild acne problems throughout my life, but this is concerning. Is this acne or something else?

[msblue72]

Wanted to update you. I had an outpatient procedure today at my new primary phys. who has also experience w/dermatology. It was an infected sebaceous cyst, in which she removed a half cup of pus, and "packed it" with medicated dressing and I'm on levaquin again, vicodin for the pain. Since it's Friday, she wants me to go to the ER on Sunday to have it re-packed and made sure it's not more infected. If it is she said the surgeon would take care of it.
This has been soo hard to get through, but I appreciate your advice and support.

Amy :)

[kittyluv1]

Since this new lump is present under your breast, it may not be related to any potential breast disease such as cancer. Hopefully you are maintaining breast health with yearly mammograms and breast examinations.
The antibiotics apparently have not provided effective treatment.  Levaquin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin.  If the swelling has not receeded, it may be necessary for your doctor to perform a needle aspiration to determine the contents of this cyst.  Even if it had responded to the antibiotics, cysts can recur if they are encapsulated and the whole cyst is not removed (minor surgical procedure which can often be done in the doctor's office/treatment room).  It may require more extensive surgical removal to be sure that the entire capsule is removed.
Let us know how you progress ----

[msblue72]

I took the levaquin for seven days, and the swelling of the cyst did not go down and is still very painful. I also may have one forming on the underside of my right breast, small but feels a like it's hardening. damn it. I am soo tired of medical **** happening to me. My grandmother had breast cancer and lost one of hers, so it would be apra-po..if that's the word, to  have something like that happen if I have one forming underneath my breast and it gets worse before I get insurance. *sigh*

anyway, if your still posting on here and you see this, thanks for listening and helping.

:) Amy

[kittyluv1]

Good plan!  I was thinking cyst or lipoma from your initial post.  The anti-biotic may reduce the inflammation and swelling, but it doesn't take the cyst away.  Cyst material is encapsulated in a membrane and unless removed totally may recur.
A needle aspiration can be done to determine the type of fluid/material the cyst contains.
It probably would be fine if you waited for your COBRA to start before consulting with a general surgeon.  Emergency room costs are quite high and some insurance companies would not reimburse the fees charged in total --- could leave you with medical bills you need not be responsible to pay.
Keep me posted ----

[msblue72]

I went to a skin doctor yesterday, who told me it was a cyst, but not acne and because the nature of it (being enlarged and swollen) he put me on an anti-biotic called levaquin, one pill a day/for seven days. Then, he told me if that doesn't work, that I may have to go the emergency room and have it removed. I'm due to get my cobra insurance, so I may seek a second opinion if the levaquin fails to reduce the swelling.

[kittyluv1]

The description of the lump you have provided could be a benign tumor known as a lipoma ---a collection of fatty tissue located between the skin and the underlying muscle layer.  They are slow growing and usually do not cause discomfort, but if they are located in sensitive areas may be painful as they grow in size.  They do not require treatment unless they cause increased discomfort.  Lipomas can be removed if necessary with a simple procedure.  (Similar to the removal of a cyst)
The best way to determine whether this is a lipoma is to schedule a visit with your primary care physician for a clinical exam.  He should be able to determine the nature of the lump and give you reassurance that it is not harmful.
It is unlikely to be a significant problem based on the information provided.
Post again with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ----