Having lumps under the skin can be quite annoying, and sometimes a frightening experience. However, most of the time, such skin nodules are benign or non cancerous. Such nodules can be soft or hard. Some people on the other hand, can get painful nodules under the skin, which are usually caused either by infection or trauma. There can be several factors or conditions that can cause skin nodules or lumps, a few of which are explained below.
What are the Causes of Lumps Under the Skin?
Lipomas
Lipoma is a very common, but harmless nodule that can develop under the skin. Lipomas are basically fat nodules beneath the skin, as they are composed of fatty tissues. Lipomas are soft and painless, and they are movable. People usually get this type of skin problem on legs, trunks, arms, neck and the shoulder. However, lipomas can develop on other parts of the body as well. Lipomas usually do not require any treatment, unless they are painful, compress the surrounding structures, or if they get infected. However, they can be a cosmetic concern, for which people may opt for surgical removal of lipomas.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Sometimes, an enlarged lymph node can also look like a lump or nodule under the skin. Such skin lumps can be more commonly found in places like, the neck and the groin area. Even lumps in armpit can be enlarged lymph nodes. Swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes is usually associated with infection. But at times, swollen lymph nodes can also be associated with some serious health conditions, which is why they should be properly evaluated with the help of a physician.
Corns and Calluses
Corns are the hard lumps under the skin that can be commonly found on the feet, and are caused by the continuous pressure that is placed on that area. Repeated friction and irritation of a particular area can also cause corns and calluses. Foot corns are usually found in those individuals who wear tight shoes. However, they can be found in places other than the feet. Calluses are usually found as these nodules on hands, but they can develop on the soles of the feet as well.
Ganglion
Ganglion or ganglion cysts are the skin nodules that usually appear around the joints and tendons of the hands and feet. More commonly, these can be found on the wrist joint. Ganglion cysts contain thick, but clear fluid. Ganglion cysts are sometimes called 'bible bumps'. An old practice to treat ganglion cyst is to hit it with a hard book like, bible, which breaks the cyst. This in turn, causes the fluid to flow into the surrounding tissues. But in modern times, aspiration and excision are used for the removal of ganglion cysts.
Boils
Boils, which are caused by the infection of the hair follicles by bacteria are another type of lumps. A boil first appears as a reddened area on the skin, which then becomes hard and firm to touch. Eventually, a tender and swollen lump can be felt on or under the skin. Finally, a white area develops on the central part of the boil due to the accumulation of pus. Boils can appear on any part of the body such as, the back, neck, buttocks and the armpit.
Other Causes of Skin Nodules
Sometimes, cancer can also cause the development of a lump or nodule under the skin. If such nodules develop under the skin on breast (breast lumps), then it can be a sign of breast cancer. Apart from breast cancer, skin cancer can also cause nodules and lumps under the skin. Skin cancer can cause the development of hard and firm lumps and abnormal moles. Cancerous moles usually have irregular borders and they do not have a uniform color. Cancerous moles are also known to grow and change their color. In addition to these, lumps under the skin can be cysts, sebaceous cysts and dermatofibromas. Dermatofibromas consist of fibrous connective tissues. On the other hand, if present on face, they can be cystic acne.
As they can be associated with so many conditions, it is important to ascertain their underlying causes. This would help to find out whether the nodules are benign or cancerous. Treatment of skin nodules also depends on their underlying causes. So, consider to visit a physician on observing any kind of abnormal skin nodules, and get them properly evaluated.
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