Benign |
Lipoma |
Soft, movable, non-painful lumps made of fatty tissue. Typically slow-growing. |
Physical examination, ultrasound to confirm soft tissue origin. |
No treatment needed unless symptomatic; surgical excision for large or bothersome lipomas. |
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Epidermoid (Sebaceous) Cyst |
Firm, round lump beneath the skin, often filled with keratin. |
Physical examination, ultrasound if unclear. |
Incision and drainage if infected; surgical excision for recurrent cysts. |
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Fibroma |
Firm, benign fibrous tissue growth often found on the skin. |
Physical examination, biopsy if unclear diagnosis. |
No treatment necessary unless symptomatic; surgical removal for cosmetic reasons or irritation. |
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Dermatofibroma |
Small, firm, dark lumps usually found on the legs. |
Physical examination, biopsy if concern for malignancy. |
Generally no treatment required; excision for symptomatic lesions. |
Infectious |
Abscess |
Painful, swollen lump filled with pus, often due to bacterial infection. |
Clinical examination, ultrasound to determine extent. |
Incision and drainage; antibiotics if systemic infection is present. |
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Furuncle (Boil) |
Localized infection of the hair follicle, leading to a painful, pus-filled lump. |
Physical examination, culture of pus if recurrent. |
Warm compresses; incision and drainage for large boils; antibiotics if needed. |
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Carbuncle |
A cluster of boils caused by staphylococcal bacteria. |
Physical examination, pus culture for antibiotic sensitivity. |
Incision and drainage; systemic antibiotics for infection. |
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Cellulitis |
Deep skin infection causing redness, swelling, and a palpable lump. |
Clinical diagnosis, blood cultures if sepsis is suspected. |
Oral or IV antibiotics; drainage if abscess formation is present. |
Malignant |
Basal Cell Carcinoma |
Small, pearly or waxy lump, often with visible blood vessels. |
Skin biopsy to confirm diagnosis. |
Excision, cryotherapy, or Mohs surgery for complete removal. |
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
Firm, red nodule or flat sore that may crust or bleed. |
Skin biopsy to confirm diagnosis. |
Excision or Mohs surgery; radiation therapy in advanced cases. |
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Melanoma |
A highly dangerous form of skin cancer presenting as a lump or irregular mole. |
Skin biopsy, dermoscopy, lymph node biopsy for staging. |
Wide local excision; sentinel lymph node biopsy; immunotherapy for advanced disease. |
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Soft Tissue Sarcoma |
A rare cancer starting in soft tissues like fat, muscle, or connective tissue. |
Biopsy, MRI to assess soft tissue involvement. |
Surgical excision, radiation, and chemotherapy depending on the stage. |
Other Causes |
Hematoma |
Localized collection of blood under the skin, often due to trauma. |
Physical examination, ultrasound if deeper involvement suspected. |
Observation for small hematomas; drainage for large or symptomatic cases. |
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Hernia |
Protrusion of tissue (usually intestine) through the abdominal wall, forming a lump. |
Physical examination, ultrasound or CT scan for diagnosis. |
Surgical repair depending on size and symptoms. |
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Ganglion Cyst |
Noncancerous lump filled with jelly-like fluid, typically found near joints. |
Physical examination, ultrasound to confirm cystic nature. |
Aspiration or surgical removal if symptomatic; often resolve spontaneously. |
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Lymphadenopathy |
Swollen lymph nodes due to infection, inflammation, or malignancy. |
Blood tests (CBC), biopsy if malignancy suspected. |
Treat underlying cause (e.g., antibiotics for infection, chemotherapy for malignancy). |