Finding a bump on your shoulder can be concerning, but many are common and not serious. This article provides an overview of various reasons why a bump might appear on your shoulder.
Common Benign Shoulder Bumps
A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that develops just beneath the skin. These growths are rubbery, movable, and often cause no pain. They are common in the shoulder region.
Cysts are closed sacs filled with fluid, air, or other material. A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled mass that forms near a joint or tendon. These are benign but can cause symptoms if they compress nerves. Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts are sacs under the skin, often filled with keratin, and are generally painless.
Muscle knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, can present as firm, tender spots within muscle fibers. These painful knots often develop in the shoulder and neck area due to factors like repetitive strain, poor posture, stress, or muscle overuse. They can feel swollen and tender to the touch, sometimes causing referred pain to other areas.
Bony growths called bone spurs, or osteophytes, can form along the edges of bones in the shoulder. These are often a response to joint inflammation, such as from arthritis, injuries, or general wear and tear over time. While many bone spurs cause no symptoms, they can lead to pain and restricted movement if they rub against other bones or soft tissues.
Bursitis is another common cause, involving inflammation of a bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions bones and tissues around joints. Shoulder bursitis, specifically subacromial bursitis, results in swelling and pain, often accompanied by warmth, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It frequently occurs due to injury, repetitive overhead movements, or overuse of the shoulder.
Less Common Shoulder Bump Origins
Infections can manifest as an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus beneath the skin. These bumps are typically caused by bacterial infections and can be painful, red, and warm to the touch, sometimes accompanied by fever. Abscesses in the shoulder may result from skin breaks, injections, or trauma.
Reactions to injections or trauma can also create temporary or lasting bumps. An injury might lead to a hematoma, a collection of blood appearing as a lump. Separated shoulders, where ligaments tear, can cause a noticeable bump on top of the shoulder. While rare, certain benign tumors, such as fibromas or neurofibromas, can also form lumps in the shoulder region.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many shoulder bumps are harmless, certain signs indicate that a medical evaluation is advisable. You should seek medical advice if a shoulder bump rapidly increases in size or appears suddenly after a significant injury. Persistent pain, warmth, or redness around the lump also warrant attention.
Changes in the skin overlying the bump, such as discoloration or ulceration, should be evaluated. If the lump feels hard, is fixed in place, or is larger than five centimeters, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, any bump that limits your range of shoulder movement or does not resolve within two weeks should be examined by a doctor.
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Shoulder Bumps
When you consult a doctor about a shoulder bump, the diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough physical examination. The doctor will assess the lump by touch, noting its size, texture, mobility, and any associated symptoms like swelling or tenderness. A detailed medical history will also be taken to understand the bump’s onset and any relevant past conditions.
Imaging tests are often used to gain a clearer picture of the bump’s nature and location. An ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues and can help differentiate between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. X-rays may be ordered if a bone-related issue, such as a bone spur or fracture, is suspected.
For more detailed images of soft tissues, muscles, and nerves, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be performed. In some cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan, which provides cross-sectional images, might also be used. If there is suspicion of a tumor or other complex condition, a biopsy, involving the removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis, may be necessary to determine the lump’s exact nature.
Treatment approaches vary widely depending on the underlying diagnosis. For many benign and asymptomatic bumps, observation may be recommended, where the lump is simply monitored over time. Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs for bursitis or antibiotics for infections, can alleviate symptoms and treat the cause.
Physical therapy can be beneficial for conditions like muscle knots or to restore mobility. For fluid-filled cysts, aspiration, which involves draining the fluid with a needle, may be performed. Surgical removal of the lump is an option if it is causing significant pain, limiting function, growing rapidly, or for cosmetic reasons.