I have a Large Soft Lump on my back- What is it???

[JUSTYSMOM]

Hi everyone ?

It has been awhile since I have been on these boards. Lots of things going on in my life...

But anyway- I have a question for all of you seasoned nurses (who I am sure to know more than some doctor's).

I have had a lump on the upper left-hand side of my back for probably a good year or two. It started out soft & small (yet noticeable to me).

But over the last year, it has grown quite large. It has still remained soft- But it is noticeable to the point that you can actually see the lump sticking out through my shirt!

I have been to 3 different internists. All of them say it is nothing, benign. It is more of a cosmetic problem than anything else.

What in the world do you think this lump is?? When I press on it, I feel slight pain on one side (like it is resting on my spine or something).

How can I get this thing removed? Could it be dangerous?

Please give me some input on this lump, please! I am going to make an appointment with a dermatologist (unless any of you advise otherwise)

Thanks so much!!

Julie

[jemb]

My thought, too, was that it is a lipoma. While the lipoma itself is not dangerous, the location of the lump can warrant surgery. Sometimes they grow in a position that can put pressure on a nerve or blood vessel and can then cause problems. I had a very large one on my shin many years ago that caused pain even from the pressure of stockings (pre-pantyhose days). My foot and ankle would swell so much my shoe would become too tight, and I would take the shoe off. I left many a class in high school carrying one shoe because I ciouldn't get it back on my foot!

Finally had the lipoma removed when I was in college and never had to leave anyplace with only one shoe on again.

[nakitamoon]

prn,,,,, was thinking the same thing,,,, could be lipoma,,,,, but dh,,, had two sebaceous cysts,,,, both one right after the other,,,, on his upper back,,,, went had the first taken c care of,,, within two months had another,,,

no matter which,,,, if it bothers you,,, find someone to take care of it,,,, ~kitamoon,,,,,