From skin tags to lipomas and fibromas
It is well known that women should be aware of strange lumps in the breasts. But strange lumps and bumps can also appear elsewhere on the body. What could that be? And is it dangerous?
Lumps on the toes
If there is a large lump at the height of the big toe, where your toe is attached to the foot, then it is probably hallux valgus. This lump arises because the toe grows crooked and therefore rubs against the shoe. Hallux valgus is characterized by calluses, redness and pain. It’s not dangerous, but it can be very annoying. If there is inflammation, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories can help. In the worst case, surgery is needed to straighten the toe. In any case, pay attention to the shoes you wear.
Lumps on the limbs
Is there suddenly a strange lump on the arms, legs or maybe even on the trunk? The most common cause is a lipoma or fat bump. These are nodules that form in the fat layer under the skin. They appear suddenly and do not grow or grow very slowly. Heredity probably plays an important role in the development, because they are more common in one family than in another. A real cause for its occurrence is unknown. Lipomas are basically harmless; so you can just leave them alone. If you want to have them removed for aesthetic reasons, the doctor will make an incision, empty the bump and suture. Keep in mind that you will probably get a scar.
Lumps in your groin
There are many lymph nodes in the groin that can become inflamed. That is probably the case and that rarely hurts. It is a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection, the lymph nodes ensure that extra white blood cells are produced to fight the infection. Lumps usually disappear on their own after three to six weeks. If this is not the case, please visit your doctor. Men who feel a lump in the groin area should keep a close eye on it. They are more susceptible to an inguinal hernia than women and that should be treated.
Lumps on the labia
A painful, red bump on the inside of the labia is often an inflammation of the Bartholin’s glands. These glands are there to regulate the moisturization of the vagina, in order to make sex more enjoyable. A cyst on the labia (also called bartholinitis) is annoying and painful. Usually it goes away on its own. If this is not the case, the doctor can cut open the cyst and clean it. Sometimes Bartholin’s glands are surgically removed, when the inflammations are more frequent. In that case, vaginal dryness is the result and the use of lubricant is necessary during sex.
Lumps on hands and feet
Lumps on hands and feet are often warts. They can appear anywhere on your body, but you see them most often on all fours. Warts are viral infections that spread. Anyone can get a wart, but they are most common in children. Although warts are harmless, they are often a nuisance. In aesthetic terms or because it bothers you (for example, if there is one on the sole of your foot). Warts generally disappear on their own, but you can touch, rub or freeze them.
Lumpy on the wrist
A cyst is a lump that can form at the level of tendons or joints. Due to overload, fluid accumulates, causing swelling. Cysts can be occupational (when you rehearse the same movement in your work) or arise when you are not used to a movement (painting all day). Sometimes cysts are a result of anatomical abnormalities. Cysts are rarely malignant, but can be a nuisance; for example because they hinder your movement. Sometimes the problem resolves itself as the wrist cyst ruptures and the fluid disperses. More often a cyst has to be punctured and drained. Sometimes surgery is even necessary.
Bump under the armpit
There are many sweat glands in the armpit that can become inflamed. Resulting in a red, painful swelling. Unfortunately there is no real explanation for it, some people are just more sensitive to it than others. In general, the swelling disappears within three to six weeks. Sometimes a course of antibiotics may be necessary. Keep an eye on it and visit your doctor if you are not sure.
lump in the neck
Also with a lump in the neck there is usually an inflamed lymph node that is working hard to fight infections in the body. In most cases, such a lump in the neck is harmless and will disappear by itself. In exceptional cases, the nodules indicate lymphoma. Pain is not an indication of the severity of the swelling. If the lumps get bigger or don’t go away, it is therefore wise to consult your doctor. Blood tests and possibly an ultrasound can provide a definitive answer.
Bumps in the face
A sudden bump on the face, neck or eyelids is often a fibroid. They can appear all over the body, but they are most common on the face. Fibroids are benign connective tissue growths that often only attach to the skin with a small piece of ‘stalk’. Because of this, they are also called steel warts. A clear cause is not known, but hereditary predisposition may play a role. Age also plays a role: they are less common in young people. Fibroids never become cancerous, so you don’t need to have them removed. If you want to do this for aesthetic reasons, you can have them cut loose, cut out or burnt away by the dermatologist.
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