Subcutaneous lumps, bumps, or growths are not an uncommon phenomenon. There are several reasons why a lump can form underneath your skin, many of which are benign. In this article, we delve further into the causes of these nodules, discuss when to seek medical aid, and address some common queries.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules
- Why Language Matters
- Epidermoid Cyst
- Lipoma
- Dermatofibroma
- Keratoacanthoma
- Skin Abscess
- Swollen Lymph Node
- Hernia
- Ganglion Cyst
- FAQs
- When to Consult a Physician
- References
Understanding Subcutaneous Nodules
Lumps under the skin, or subcutaneous nodules, can be caused by a multitude of reasons, including cyst formation or swollen lymph nodes. Monitoring changes in the size or appearance of these lumps can help decide when to consult a doctor.
Why Language Matters
The way we discuss statistics and data points often oscillates between the terms “men” and “women.” Specificity is critical when discussing research participants and clinical findings. However, it is important to mention that the studies and experts referenced in this article did not include or report data on individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.
Epidermoid Cyst
Epidermoid cysts are small, round subcutaneous lumps that usually form when skin cells move underneath the skin and get covered instead of being shed. These cysts can also stem from damage to a hair follicle or accumulation of a protein known as keratin.
Lipoma
Lipomas are benign lumps that form when fatty tissue grows under your skin, resulting in a bulge. They are common and usually harmless. Lipomas may result from physical injuries, and in some cases, multiple lipomas may indicate an underlying genetic condition such as Gardner’s syndrome.
Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma is a small, hard nodule that grows under your skin. These skin lumps are benign, but they might itch or hurt occasionally. Dermatofibromas often develop at the spot of minor skin injuries like splinters or insect bites.
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma is a small skin tumor that emerges from your skin cells. Sun exposure may contribute to the development of keratoacanthoma as it is more prevalent in areas with high sun exposure, such as your hands or face.
Skin Abscess
A skin abscess is a round, pus-filled nodule that forms when bacteria penetrate under your skin’s surface. The most common cause of skin abscesses are bacterial infections. Your body reacts to the bacteria by sending white blood cells to the infection site.
Swollen Lymph Node
Lymph nodes or lymph glands are small groups of cells located in various parts of the body. These nodes trap infectious or damaged cells and help get rid of them. However, these lymph nodes can swell as part of the body’s immune response.
Hernia
A hernia is a nodule that forms when a part of your body, such as an organ, pushes through the surrounding tissue. There are several types of hernias, and they often appear in the abdominal area, below your chest, or above your hips.
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a small, round, fluid-filled subcutaneous lump, usually found on your hands. The cyst sits on a small stalk that might seem movable. The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but irritation to your joints and tendons may play a role.
FAQs
- Are cancerous lumps hard to the touch? It is best to consult a dermatologist if you notice new lumps on your skin, especially if they are large, appear suddenly, are hard to touch, or bleed.
- Are cancerous lumps usually hard or soft? Skin lumps can have both noncancerous and cancerous causes. If you notice a new lump on your body, dermatologists typically recommend scheduling an appointment.
- What is a pea-sized hard lump under the skin? A pea-sized hard lump on the skin could be a type of cyst. If it changes, grows, or bothers you, you should consider making an appointment with a dermatologist.
- When should I be worried about a hard lump under my skin? It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional if you notice growths on your skin that change shape, color, or size, bleed or leak, cause pain, or are larger than 1 cm.
When to Consult a Physician
It is not always possible to identify the exact cause of a lump. Subcutaneous lumps are common, and in many cases, these lumps disappear without treatment. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you notice changes in color, shape, and size, especially with rapid or steady growth, a high fever, a lump that’s more than 1 cm across, or hard or painless lumps that appear suddenly.