A lump under the skin is often associated with cancer. But small lumps behind the ears, on the neck, in the breast or on the anus can also have completely different, harmless causes. Often a cyst or a benign lipoma is the trigger. Nevertheless, changes in the tissue should always be clarified by a doctor in order to be able to react early in an emergency. Read here which causes for lumps under the skin come into question.
Nodes on the neck due to swollen lymph nodes
Nodes on the neck are usually either swollen lymph nodes or nodes in the thyroid gland. In addition, however, a cyst, abscess, or fistula may be behind the nodular changes. If the swelling of the lymph nodes slowly increases without the nodes hurting, you should definitely consult a doctor. Such symptoms may indicate a tumor in the lymphatic system. Swollen lymph nodes that cause pain, on the other hand, are usually caused by an infection such as a cold or tonsillitis. To fight the pathogens, the body’s defense system, which includes the lymph nodes, works at full speed. The increased activity can cause the lymph nodes to swell and ache.
Nodes on the neck: cause in the thyroid gland
Nodes on the neck do not always have to be swollen lymph nodes; nodes in the thyroid gland may also be present. These can be very small and cause no discomfort, or relatively large and thus easily palpable from the outside. Regardless of the size, a distinction is made between cold, warm and hot nodes. Cold nodes hardly produce any hormones, whereas warm and hot ones are particularly active. Warm and hot nodules are usually benign, but can lead to hyperthyroidism. Cold nodules also often indicate a harmless tissue change, but in rare cases a malignant tumor may be behind them. A fine needle aspiration can provide clarity, during which cells are taken for closer examination.
Node behind the ear
A lump behind the ear, similar to that on the neck, is often caused by a swollen lymph node. A relatively rapidly increasing, painful swelling is usually caused by an infection. Often it is a local infection affecting the ear or jaw. On the other hand, if the swelling develops slowly over several weeks and the lump does not cause pain, you should see a doctor to have a serious cause ruled out.
Lump in the breast
Similar to a lump on the neck, a lump in the breast is rarely caused by cancer: breast cancer is the cause in only 20 percent of cases. Much more often, a cyst or fibroadenoma or another harmless cause is behind the nodular tissue change. If, after examination by the physician, it is unclear whether the change is benign or malignant, a histological examination is performed. Cells are removed and then examined in more detail. Depending on the results, an appropriate therapy can then be initiated. Here, the options range from wait and watch to puncture (cyst) to complete removal of the nodule.
Node on the anus
If nodules form at the anus, hemorrhoids or anal vein thrombosis are the most common causes. In anal vein thrombosis, blue-red nodules form on the anus. These are caused by a blood clot that blocks a vein at the anus. Unlike hemorrhoids, which grow out of the anus, the nodules in anal vein thrombosis grow on the edge of the anus. The thrombosis can be very painful and make sitting unbearable. Treatment depends largely on the severity of the pain as well as the size of the nodules. While anal vein thrombosis is often painful but does not bleed, hemorrhoids are the other way around: they usually do not cause pain in the early stages, but can bleed. In addition, they are not covered with normal skin, but with mucous membrane. If you notice hemorrhoids on your anus, you should see a doctor and talk to him about appropriate treatment.
Nodes on the testicle
Behind lumps in the testicle can be various causes. Often these are relatively harmless, such as a cyst.Enlarged varicose veins or testicular inflammation can also cause nodular changes in the testicle. In some cases, however, lumps in the testicle can also be a symptom of testicular cancer. Then, in contrast to an infection, the nodules often do not cause pain. In order to detect nodular changes as early as possible, men should regularly palpate their testicles – similar to the way women palpate their breasts.
Nodes under the skin
If lumps appear under the skin in other parts of the body, they are often lipomas. This refers to benign growths of fatty tissue. The growths themselves are harmless, however, they often represent a cosmetic problem. In addition, problems can occur if a lipoma presses on a nerve, for example. Lipomas often form in people between the ages of 40 and 60, as a particularly large amount of fatty tissue is produced during this period of life. They occur preferably on the neck, upper arms, abdomen and thighs. Their size can vary greatly: Small lipomas have a diameter of only a few millimeters, while large ones can reach several centimeters. Even if lipomas are generally harmless, they should always be examined by a doctor. In rare cases, a malignant tumor – a so-called liposarcoma – may be behind the lump. Besides a lipoma, other causes can also be behind lumps under the skin. Among other things can come into question:
- An abscess
- An inflammation of the superficial veins (thrombophlebitis)
- A cyst
- An inflammation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue (erythema nodosum)
Nodules under the skin: what to do?
If you notice a nodule under your skin that persists for a long period of time, you should always consult a doctor. Only he can tell you what is behind the nodule. However, do not panic immediately: Cancer is rarely the cause. Much more often it is a harmless formation such as a benign lipoma or a cyst. Depending on the cause behind the lump, various examinations can be performed. Treatment also depends on the underlying cause.
