A soft tissue nodule is a palpable lump or mass that develops within the body’s soft tissues. These tissues include fat, muscle, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Nodules vary in size, from less than one centimeter to several centimeters or larger, and their texture can range from soft and mobile to firm and fixed. They can form in nearly any part of the body where soft tissue is present.
Understanding Soft Tissue Nodules
Soft tissue nodules are growths that can be felt or seen as a lump. Their characteristics, such as consistency and mobility, offer clues about their nature. Some nodules feel soft and squishy, moving easily under the skin, while others may be firm or fixed to deeper structures.
These growths are categorized as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The vast majority of soft tissue nodules are benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body and are not life-threatening. Malignant soft tissue nodules, known as sarcomas, are much less common.
Common Reasons Nodules Form
Soft tissue nodules frequently arise from benign conditions. One common type is a lipoma, a non-cancerous growth of fat cells. Lipomas usually present as soft, painless lumps that grow slowly and can often be moved slightly under the skin. They commonly appear just beneath the skin, particularly on the trunk and limbs, but can also form in muscles, bones, or organs.
Another common type of nodule is a cyst, a fluid-filled sac. Sebaceous cysts form from sebaceous glands that produce oil, often appearing on the face, torso, or neck. Fibromas, which are benign fibrous growths, can also lead to nodules, developing slowly in the skin or fibrous tissues like tendons and ligaments. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form near joints or tendons, commonly found on the wrist or ankle.
Beyond specific growths, soft tissue nodules can also result from the body’s response to inflammation, trauma, or infection. A hematoma, a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, can present as a lump after an injury. Inflammatory processes can also lead to the formation of granulomas, small clumps of cells, often in response to an infection or an autoimmune reaction.
Knowing When to Consult a Doctor
While most soft tissue nodules are harmless, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. A doctor should be consulted if a nodule exhibits rapid growth, changes in color or shape, or becomes painful or tender to the touch. Pain, warmth, or pus around the nodule can indicate an infection or inflammation requiring medical attention.
A nodule that appears suddenly without a clear cause, feels deeply fixed to underlying structures, or is larger than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) should also prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Any new or changing lump, even if seemingly minor, should be examined by a doctor for proper diagnosis. Though many malignant soft tissue lesions are asymptomatic in their early stages, vigilance regarding changes in a nodule is important.
How Nodules Are Diagnosed and Managed
When a patient presents with a soft tissue nodule, a doctor begins with a thorough physical examination. This involves assessing the nodule’s size, location, consistency, mobility, and any associated symptoms like pain or warmth. The doctor may feel the lump to determine if it is superficial (close to the skin) or deep (beneath the fascia, a layer of connective tissue).
Following the physical examination, imaging studies are often used to gain a clearer picture of the nodule’s characteristics. Ultrasound is a common initial imaging technique, providing details about whether the nodule is solid or fluid-filled. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be used for more detailed evaluation, especially for deeper or larger nodules, to assess their relationship to surrounding structures and help differentiate between benign and malignant growths. If imaging results are inconclusive or suggest potential malignancy, a biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the nodule for microscopic examination to determine its exact nature.
The management of soft tissue nodules depends on the diagnosis. For many benign nodules, such as small, asymptomatic lipomas, a “watchful waiting” approach may be recommended, where the nodule is monitored over time without immediate intervention. Cysts, particularly those that are symptomatic, might be managed with aspiration, a procedure where fluid is drained using a needle. Surgical removal is a common treatment option for symptomatic benign nodules, those that are growing, or any nodule where malignancy cannot be definitively ruled out.