Finding an unexpected lump under your skin can be unsettling. While most lumps aren’t dangerous, getting them checked is always smart.
Dina Madni, MD, a board-certified general surgeon in Dallas, Texas, specializes in removing troublesome lumps and bumps. Whether they cause pain or just make you feel uncomfortable in your skin, she can help.
Here are a few things to consider before consulting with a surgeon like Dr. Madni about your newfound lump or bump.
We all develop strange lumps. Maybe you notice a soft bump on your arm that wasn’t there before or a small lump on your back that catches when you shower. These growths are common, but a doctor should have a look. While most are harmless, it’s better to know for sure.
Dr. Madni most often removes two main types of lumps: lipomas and cysts.
Not every bump needs to come out, but some benefit from surgical removal:
Lipomas are essentially pockets of fat cells wrapped in tissue, sitting just under your skin. They’re benign (noncancerous) but can gradually get bigger.
Many lipomas cause no problems. But larger ones can press on nerves, causing discomfort or pain. Some people find them embarrassing or that they make clothes fit oddly.
Since lipomas aren't dangerous, removing them is optional. But if yours is painful or otherwise bothers you, surgery is a surefire solution.
Cysts form throughout the body, creating fluid-filled sacs under the skin. The two most common types develop from blocked oil glands (sebaceous cysts) or trapped dead skin cells (epidermoid cysts).
Most cysts are just annoying bumps, but they can become infected. When that happens, they turn red and painful and sometimes leak foul-smelling fluid. While antibiotics clear the infection, the cyst sticks around until surgically removed.
Before surgery, Dr. Madni talks through the procedure and anesthesia options. The surgery involves cutting out the lump, though the details vary depending on size and location.
Most lump removals take about an hour, and you head home the same day with care instructions for your incision.
You can typically go back to normal activities the next day, though Dr. Madni might suggest avoiding heavy workouts for a short while.
While many lumps can safely be monitored, certain warning signs mean you should see a doctor promptly:
Any bump that grows quickly or changes in appearance deserves attention. New pain, color changes, or a rapidly growing lump might signal something that needs treatment.
A painful or tender lump, or one that makes everyday movements uncomfortable, is worth getting checked. Why live with the discomfort when you don’t have to?
Temporary swelling from minor injuries usually fades within a couple of weeks. A lump that sticks around longer than that warrants evaluation.
It’s easy to ignore a small lump or tell yourself you’ll deal with it later. But getting it evaluated early typically means simpler treatment and peace of mind.
If you have a lump that bothers you, schedule a visit with Dr. Madni to talk through your options. Call our Dallas office today or request your appointment online.
