Lumps & Bumps

Lumps-Bumps

Lumps and Bumps

Skin tumours can form on our skin at any age of our lives. Most of these tumours are benign and present as lumps or bumps on our skin.

What are some common types of lumps & bumps?

Cyst
Cysts are discrete firm bumps that can be felt under the skin. Different parts of the skin can give rise to different types of cysts. For example, the most common type of skin cyst is the epidermal cyst which arises from the hair follicle. They can vary in size from a few millimetres to over ten centimetres. Most cysts are benign and harmless. However, they can sometimes become infected causing intense pain, redness and even discharge pus.
To reduce the chance of inflammation and infection, avoid squeezing the cyst. If your cyst is on a clothed part of the body, avoid tight clothing that may rub on it, e.g. jeans or tights. Cysts that are inflamed or growing need medical treatment and can be surgically excised.
Lipomas
Lipomas are soft mobile lumps felt under the skin. They are benign fat tumours that can appear in any part of the body. Most people have only one or two lipomas, but some may have many. In these people, a family member may similarly have multiple lipomas. Lipomas that are large, growing or symptomatic need medical attention and can be surgically excised.
Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are superficial skin overgrowths which are more common with increasing age. They are usually brown and slightly raised but can also become fairly large. They commonly occur on the face and can grow on the neck, body and groin. Seborrheic keratosis is a benign lesion and does not usually transform into skin cancer. They can be removed by electrocautery, laser or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

Do I need to worry about lumps and bumps?

Most of the lumps and bumps on our skin are benign and do not grow or change. Seek advice and treatment from your dermatologist if you notice any continued change in size or appearance of the growth, or signs of inflammation like redness, pain, swelling or discharge.

How are lumps and bumps diagnosed?

Many different conditions can cause similar-looking lumps and bumps on our skin. A detailed history and physical examination will usually enable the dermatologist to diagnose the condition. Sometimes a skin biopsy may have to be performed to come to a conclusive diagnosis.

What is the treatment for lumps & bumps?

Most conditions causing lumps and bumps can be treated surgically. This is usually in the form of excision. Superficial lesions like seborrhoeic keratosis can be removed by electrocautery, laser or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

Get a professional consultation regarding your

Lumps and Bumps
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.