Lumps and lumps on the body can be frightening. But before panic sets in, you should realize that there is usually no serious illness behind it.
Have you felt a small bump that has recently appeared? Hypochondriacs immediately think of a cancer symptom or some other life-threatening omen. But behind nodules and other palpable bumps there are usually harmless causes. Possible triggers include underground pimples and fatty tissue necrosis.
What causes can be behind lumps on the body
Swollen lymph nodes
are often
the cause of lumps on the neck or under the armpits. The reason for this is usually infections such as flu. Inflammation in the affected part of the body can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. The small, bean-shaped structures are part of the immune system and swell as the body fights viruses and other pathogens.
Fatty tissue necrosis
is another possible cause of palpable nodules. They occur when fatty tissue is damaged by an injury or pressure. As a result, a palpable swelling or tumor may form. A painful inflammatory reaction is also a typical symptom of fatty tissue necrosis, as
Apotheke Umschau
informs. The affected region is often the female breast.
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Skin cysts
are also accompanied by skin changes that can resemble lumps. The small, fluid-filled bumps are often caused by blocked sebaceous glands or ingrown hairs. They are usually harmless unless they become infected. Then you should not press on the area, but rather consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Even
benign tumors
such as lipomas can cause palpable lumps. However, the soft, mobile tissue growths usually do not cause pain and rarely require treatment.
If a lump develops on the hand or wrist, a
wrist ganglion
may be the reason. As the
Schulthess Clinic
in Zurich informs, a ganglion appears as an elastic to hard swelling, which is also popularly called 'overleg'. It is a fluid-filled cyst.
In most cases, lumps on the body are harmless and either disappear on their own or do not require urgent medical intervention. However, it is advisable to have lumps examined by a doctor if they cause pain or do not go away on their own over a long period of time.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.