A lump on the arm can be a source of worry. While many lumps are harmless, some can indicate more serious conditions. This article provides general information regarding various types of lumps that can appear on the arm. Any concerns about a lump should always be addressed by consulting a healthcare professional.
Common Non-Cancerous Lumps
Many lumps found on the arm are benign. One common type is a lipoma, a soft, fatty lump that typically grows just beneath the skin. Lipomas usually feel doughy or rubbery, are easily movable, and are generally painless. They are often smaller than 2 inches, though they can sometimes grow larger.
Another type is a skin cyst, a closed sac-like structure under the skin, often filled with fluid or semi-solid material. Cysts are usually smooth and can feel firm or spongy. Fibromas are also non-cancerous growths consisting of fibrous, connective tissue. Dermatofibromas, a type of fibroma, typically feel like hard lumps beneath the skin and vary in color.
Visual Signs of Potentially Cancerous Lumps
Cancerous lumps often display specific visual characteristics. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common type of skin cancer, can appear as small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, or pearly bumps. These growths might have raised edges with a lower center, or look like flat, firm, pale, or yellow areas resembling scars, or reddish, itchy patches.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically manifests as rough or scaly red patches that might crust or bleed. It can also appear as open sores that do not heal, or as wart-like or firm, dome-shaped growths. These cancers often occur in sun-exposed areas.
Melanoma, a more serious type of skin cancer, often presents with specific visual cues identified by the “ABCDE” rule. This includes asymmetry (one half not matching the other), irregular or poorly defined borders, varied color (different shades within the same lesion), and a diameter larger than a pencil eraser. A lump that is evolving—changing in size, shape, color, or elevation over time—is a significant indicator for concern.
Soft tissue sarcomas often appear as lumps deep under the skin. These lumps are typically firm and may not be painful in their early stages. They tend to grow rapidly and can reach a size larger than 2 inches (5 centimeters).
Other Indicators for Concern
Other indicators can suggest a lump on the arm requires medical attention. A lump that bleeds or oozes is a concerning sign. Any sore or lesion that crusts over or does not heal within several weeks warrants evaluation.
Changes in sensation, such as new or worsening pain, tenderness, itching, or numbness, should prompt a medical consultation. Rapid growth of a lump over a short period is another important warning sign. Changes in the surrounding skin, including persistent redness, inflammation, or swelling around the lump, are indicators that should be investigated. A lump that was previously removed and then grows back is also a reason for immediate concern.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for any new lump that appears on your arm. Medical attention is also recommended if an existing lump changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Any lump that becomes painful, itchy, bleeds, or oozes should be promptly evaluated.
If a lump does not heal or continues to grow rapidly, seek medical advice. A professional can conduct a physical examination and, if necessary, order further tests like a biopsy. Only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, and early detection often improves outcomes.