lump on forearm

[shadowc99]

Hi,

I've had a lump on my forearm between my elbow and wrist for over a year now. It doesn't seem to be getting any bigger and when I first got it my intern doct. told me not to worry about it. It seems to be able to be moved around and looks horrible. What type of doctor should I go see about it? I think I would like it removed. Who should I call.

Thanks

[shadowc99]

I want to have it checked out first before consulting a surgeon. Should I call a dermatologist, orthopedic or just go straight to the surgeon. I thought they would want it checked first by a "doctor".

Thanks

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Well, to remove it you would need surgery. Hence call a surgeon. The  lump is most likely a neurofibroma (localized harmless swelling in a nerve) or a lipoma (localized collection of fat). It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[health4cjm]

I have the same thing and my Dr said the same thing. He said it was fluid but moved around easily and was not painful, so dont worry. I dont know of anyone who would like to walk around with this large swelling on their arm. It looks ugly. However I have seen much older women with them on both wrists and ankles. Please let me know what kind of Dr. you get to remove it.