Skin lumps

Alternative names:

fibromas; lipomas; lumps on the skin

Definition:

Any abnormal lump or swelling on the skin.

Considerations:

Most lumps and swellings are benign; some are caused by infection, others by injury, external pressure, inflammation, or obstruction to the flow of blood. Some are cancers. In general, when a lump or swelling appears suddenly (over 24 to 48 hours) and is painful, it is usually caused by an injury or an infection. On the other hand, if the lump comes on gradually (over several days or weeks) and does not hurt, it may be a tumor and should be seen by the doctor.

Common causes:

• lipomas, fatty lumps under the skin
• fibromas, smooth growths under the skin
• enlarged lymph glands, usually in the armpits, neck, and groin
• cyst, a closed sac in or under the skin that is lined with skin tissue and contains fluid or semisolid material
• boils, painful, red bumps usually involving a hair follicle
• corn or callus, caused by skin thickening in response to continued pressure (for example, from shoes) usually occurring on a toe or foot
• warts, a skin virus that develops a rough, hard bump, usually appearing on a hand or foot and often with tiny black dots in the bump
• moles, skin-colored, tan, or brown, bumps on the skin
• abscess, fluid trapped in a closed space from which it cannot escape that becomes infected
• cancer of the skin (any colored or pigmented spot that bleeds easily, changes size or shape, or crusts and doesn't heal)

Note: There may be other causes of skin lumps. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for skin lumps, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.