Lump under skin (Post 2)

[Uthrac]

My wife has a small hard bump (1/2 cm in diameter, 1/4 of a cm in height) under the skin.  It is situated above and to the right of her left shoulder on the back, almost at the nape of the neck (so between shoulder blade and neck but up high at the nape of the neck).  It is under the skin and can be felt at the same position even if the skin is shifted around (we rule out that it is a part of the skin but rather under it), it feels like it is situated on the muscle under the skin.  She has had it a week and she finds it annoying.  Could you please tell me what you think it is and what we should do?

[maatson]

Infact a lymphadenopathy over here amongst other conditions, needs an inspection of scalp to rule out 'pediculosis'.

[Uthrac]

Thank you for the response!

I took my wife to see our family Doctor.  He inspected it and mentioned it may be a cyst, he said it was doubtful of being a swollen lymph node due to the area it is in.  He recommended we keep it under observation for a few weeks, if it gets any worse to let him know right away, with the hopes it gets better on its own before doing anything about it.

My wife has been feeling unwell, with feelings of being generally tired and muscle pain in her back especially in that area and she often gets headaches,  since she got this lump.  It is disturbing, because normally she is so full of energy and of positive demeanor.  Perhaps this lump or cyst is infected and her body is fighting said infection?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such kind of bump can be a sebaceous cyst or a swollen lymph node if there is any history of a recent infection. Generally no treatment is required for sebaceous cysts but if they become painful then it means they are infected,Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Uthrac]

I should also add that there is no visible mark or inflammation of any sort on the skin.  Her skin is unblemished at that area.