FitSugar

What If You Do Find a Lump?

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

A few weeks ago a study stated that self-breast exams didn't save lives, but I am not buying it. Many women I know have caught their breast cancer early because they did monthly exams. So if you're still a believer and continue to check yourself monthly, you should be reassured to know that most lumps you find aren't cancerous. Here's what you may feel according to Living.Health.com:

A soft lump: It's smooth and round (like a grape), and it moves a little when you press on it. This lump may be painful to the touch, and it can range in size from small to large. It could be a cyst or sacs filled with natural fluid, but you should get an ultrasound just to be sure. If it is a cyst, your doctor may recommend that you go on the Pill to lower your chance of developing cysts.

A hard lump: This will feel like a clearly defined smooth, hard, rubbery, round lump. It could be small like a pea, or up to five inches wide. If you can move it around under your skin and it doesn't hurt, then it sounds like it's a fibroadenoma, which is a noncancerous tumor. They're not as common as cysts, but not uncommon for women in their 20s and 30s since they're caused by hormonal changes. Of course, it's best to have your doctor take a look and perform some tests just to make sure.

To find out what else you may feel and what it means read more.

Fluid: If fluid is leaking from both nipples, it could be cause by a thyroid or pituitary problem. Talk to your doctor and if it is a gland issue, medication should clear it right up.

Soft mass: You could feel a soft lumpy mass that's about one to four inches wide, and it may be tender right before your period. It most likely is caused by fluctuations in your hormones, which thickens breast tissue. This isn't anything a little acetaminophen or ibuprofen (or chocolate) can't take care of.

Hard Mass: If you feel a solid, irregular shaped mass with jagged edges that won't move when you push on it, this is something to be concerned with. It could be a cancerous tumor so call your doc and schedule a mammogram.

Fit's Tip: This info isn't meant to scare you, but since you are the one person who can notice changes in your breasts, it's best to know what to look for. If you ever have any concerns, I'd recommend seeing your doctor because you'll feel relieved to get a professional opinion.

Source

My Breasts are Lumpy

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:00:00 -0800

I have a distinct memory of sitting in my high-school sex ed class, learning about self-breast exams. That night, in the privacy of my own room, I felt around and was in shock. My breasts were full of tiny little bean size lumps. I was convinced I had breast cancer.

But later, I found out that normal and healthy women's breasts are lumpy. And the lumps can change with your monthly cycle as your hormones naturally fluctuate.

What a relief. Overall lumpiness is normal.

But, the thing is some lumps can be bad news. So how can you tell?

You've got to work it into your schedule and do self-breast exams throughout the month. Become familiar with the shape, texture, and consistency of your own breasts.

Here's the rule of thumb. If you feel a lump that feels different from those around it, don't freak out just yet. Wait it out through 1 or 2 menstrual cycles. If it doesn't change, or gets bigger, definitely get it checked out.

Check out this commercial urging you to perform monthly breast exams.

Breast lump

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:25 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Female Breast

Breast lumps

Fibrocystic breast disease

Fibroadenoma

Breast lump removal - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

A breast lump is a swelling, protuberance, or lump in the breast.

Alternative Names

Breast mass

Considerations

Normal breast tissue is present in both males and females of all ages. This tissue responds to hormonal changes and, therefore, certain lumps can come and go.

Breast lumps may appear at all ages:

Infants may have breast lumps related to estrogen from the mother. The lump generally goes away on its own as the estrogen clears from the baby's body. It can happen to boys and girls.
Young girls often develop "breast buds" that appear just before the beginning of puberty. These bumps may be tender. They are common around age 9, but may happen as early as age 6.
Teenage boys may develop breast enlargement and lumps because of hormonal changes in mid-puberty. Although this may distress the teen, the lumps or enlargement generally go away on their own over a period of months.
Breast lumps in an adult woman raise concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps turn out to be not cancerous.

Common Causes

Lumps in a woman are often caused by fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, and cysts.

Fibrocystic changes can occur in either or both breasts. These changes are common in women (especially during the reproductive years), and are considered a normal variation of breast tissue. Having fibrocystic breasts does not increase your risk for breast cancer. It does, however, make it more difficult to interpret lumps that you or your doctor find on exam. Many women feel tenderness in addition to the lumps and bumps associated with fibrocystic breasts.

Fibroadenomas are noncancerous lumps that feel rubbery and are easily moveable within the breast tissue. Like fibrocystic changes, they occur most often during the reproductive years. Usually, they are not tender and, except in rare cases, do not become cancerous later. A doctor may feel fairly certain from an exam that a particular lump is a fibroadenoma. The only way to be sure, however, is to remove or biopsy it.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often feel like soft grapes. These can sometimes be tender, especially just before your menstrual period. Cysts may be drained in the doctor's office. If the fluid removed is clear or greenish, and the lump disappears completely after it is drained, no further treatment is needed. If the fluid is bloody, it is sent to the lab to look for cancer cells. If the lump doesn't disappear, or recurs, it is usually removed surgically.

Other causes of breast lumps include:

Milk cysts (sacs filled with milk) and infections (mastitis), which may turn into an abscess. These typically occur if you are breastfeeding or have recently given birth.
Breast cancer, found on mammogram or ultrasound, then a biopsy. Men also can get breast cancer.
Injury -- sometimes if your breast is badly bruised, there will be a collection of blood that feels like a lump. These lumps tend to get better on their own in a matter of days or weeks. If not, your doctor may have to drain the blood.
Lipoma -- a collection of fatty tissue.
Intraductal papilloma -- a small growth inside a milk duct of the breast. This often occurs near the areola, the colored part of the breast surrounding the nipple, in women ages 35-55. It is harmless and often cannot be felt. In some cases the only symptom is a watery, pink discharge from the nipple. Since a watery or bloody discharge can also be a sign of breast cancer, your doctor should check this.

Home Care

For fibrocystic changes, birth control pills are often helpful. Other women are helped by:

Avoiding caffeine and chocolate
Limiting fat and increasing fiber in the diet
Taking vitamin E, vitamin B complex, or evening primrose oil supplements

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if:

The skin on your breast appears dimpled or wrinkled (like the peel of an orange)
You find a new breast lump during your monthly self-exam
You have bruising on your breast, but did not experience any injury
You have nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody or pinkish (blood-tinged)
Your nipple is inverted (turned inward) but normally is not inverted

Also call if:

You are a woman, age 20 or older, and want guidance on how to perform a breast self-examination
You are a woman over age 40 and have not had a mammogram in the past year

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will get a complete history from you, with special attention to factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. The health care provider will perform a thorough breast examination. If you don't know how to perform breast self-examination, ask your health care provider to teach you the proper method.

Medical history questions regarding breast lumps include:

When and how did you first notice the lump?
Do you have other symptoms such as pain, nipple discharge, or fever?
Where is the lump located?
Do you do breast self-exams, and is this lump a recent change?
Have you had any type of injury to your breast?
Are you taking any hormones, medications, or supplements?

Tests that may be performed include:

Biopsy of the lump
Mammogram
Needle aspiration of a cyst and examination of the fluid under a microscope
Study of nipple discharge under a microscope
Ultrasound to see if the lump is solid or a cyst

Treatment of a breast lump depends on the cause. Solid breast lumps are often removed surgically. Cysts can be drained. Breast infections require antibiotics. If breast cancer is diagnosed, most women receive surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Discuss these options carefully and thoroughly with your doctor.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may also suggest testing for genes that make you more likely to get breast cancer.

Prevention

Breast cancer screening is an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is most easily treated and cured.

Get regular mammograms.
If you are over age 20, consider doing a monthly breast self-exam (See: Breast self exam)
If you are over age 20, have a complete breast exam by your provider at least every 3 years -- every year if you are over 40.

Having fibrocystic breast tissue, mastitis, or breast tenderness related to PMS does NOT put you at greater risk for breast cancer. Having fibrocystic breasts does, however, make your self-exam more confusing, because there are many normal lumps and bumps.

To prevent breast cancer:

Exercise regularly
Reduce fat intake
Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber foods
Do not drink more than 1 or 1 1/2 glasses of alcohol a day

References

Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 2007;57(2):75-89.

Marchant DJ. Benign breast disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2002;29(1):1-20.

Klein S. Evaluation of palpable breast masses. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(9):1731-1738.

Review Date: 11/9/2007

Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003155

Lumps in the breasts

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:46:51 -0700

Illustrations

Female Breast

Causes of breast lumps

Normal female breast anatomy

Breast lump removal - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

There are many causes for lumps in the breast. These range from normal changes in your body to abnormal breast disease. Breast lumps are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Some lumps are age-dependent. Newborn boys and girls both have lumps of enlarged breast tissue beneath the nipple, which have been stimulated by the mother's hormones. These disappear within a few months of birth.

Beginning as early as age 8, girls may develop tender lumps beneath one or both nipples (frequently only one). These lumps are breast buds and are one of the earlier signs of the beginning of puberty.

Boys at mid-puberty (usually around age 14 or 15) may develop tender lumps beneath one or both nipples, also in response to the hormonal changes of puberty. These tend to disappear over a period of 6 months to 1 year. See: Gynecomastia

It is also important to remember that hormonal changes just prior to menstruation may give a lumpy or granular feeling to the breast tissue.

The discovery of a lump in the breast usually brings the thought of breast cancer immediately to mind. Breast cancer may occur in men and women, but it is much more common in women. For specific information, see the article on breast cancer.

However, it is important to remember that 80-85% of all breast lumps are benign, especially in women under age 40. Benign causes of breast lumps include:

Breast infection (breast abscess)
Fibrocystic breast disease
Fibroadenoma
Fat necrosis (damage to some of the fat tissue within the breast; a fat necrosis mass cannot be distinguished from breast cancer without biopsy)

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the lump. Signs of a potentially cancerous breast lump may include:

A painless lump that is firm or hard, with irregular borders (edges)
Armpit lump
Arm swelling
Bone pain
Difference in breast size, compared with what it previously looked like
Nipple changes, including pulling inward, swelling, or itching
Nipple discharge -- usually bloody or straw-colored fluid
Skin changes such as dimpling or "orange peel" appearance, redness, easy to see veins on breast surface, and eventually skin ulceration
Weight loss

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a breast exam to feel for lumps. Tests that may be used to determine if a lump is cancer may include:

Breast biopsy
Breast ultrasound
Mammogram
Needle aspiration

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the breast lump.For specific treatment information, see the article on the specific disease.

Expectations (prognosis)

The long-term outlook depends on the type of problem. See the specific condition for detailed information.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you find a new, unusual, or changing lump during your breast self-examination.

Also call for an appointment if you are a woman:

40 or older who has never had a baseline mammogram
35 or older with a mother or sister who have had breast cancer, or a personal history of breast, uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer
25 or older, and you are not sure how to perform a breast self-examination

Prevention

To avoid fibrocystic changes in your breast tissue, avoid excessive fat and caffeine in your diet.

Most cases of breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, early detection and prompt treatment is important. All women over the age of 40 should perform breast self-exam monthly, preferably at the end of their menstrual period when the breasts are less tender. Women who are breastfeeding should examine their breasts after completing a feeding. Also get routine breast exams from your doctor and routine mammograms.

References

Saslow D, Hannan J, Osuch J, et al. Clinical breast examination: practical recommendations for optimizing performance and reporting. CA Cancer J Clin. 2004; 54:327-344.

Review Date: 7/17/2007

Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001502

Neck lump

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:05:18 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Lymphatic system

Neck lump

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

A neck lump is any lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.

Alternative Names

Lump in the neck

Considerations

There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most frequently seen lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy, or other rare causes.

Enlargement of the salivary glands under the jaw may result from infection or malignancy. Lumps in the muscles of the neck -- almost always in the front of the neck -- result from injury or torticollis. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts, including sebaceous cysts.

The thyroid gland may also produce a lump, multiple lumps, or swelling in the neck as a result of thyroid disease or malignancy. Most cancers of the thyroid gland are extremely slow-growing and often curable by surgery even if they have been present for several years.

All neck lumps in children and adults should be checked immediately. In children, most of them are caused by treatable infections. However, treatment should start quickly to prevent either spread of the infection or complications. As adults age, the likelihood of the lump being a cancer does increase, particularly for those who smoke or drink significant amounts of alcohol. Fortunately, most lumps in adults are not cancers.

Common Causes

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES IN THE NECK

Bacterial
- Atypical Mycobacterium (a type of bacteria)
- Cat scratch disease
- Other types of bacterial pharyngitis
- Peritonsillar Abscess (the result of tonsil infection that spreads)
- Tuberculosis
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
Viral
- AIDS
- Herpes infections
- HIV disease
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Rubella (German measles)
- Viral pharyngitis
Malignant
- Hodgkin's disease
- Leukemia
- Metastatic oral lesions (mouth cancer)
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Other malignancy
Thyroid
Other

SALIVARY GLAND ENLARGEMENT

Infection
Mumps
Salivary gland tumor
Stone in salivary duct

Home Care

Consult your health care provider for treatment of the cause of the neck lump.

Call your health care provider if

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have an abnormal neck swelling, or lumps in your neck.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting your neck lump in detail may include the following:

Is it a hard lump?
Is it a relatively soft, pliable, bag-like (cystic) mass?
Is it a painless bag-like (cystic) mass?
Is the entire neck swollen?
Where is the lump located?
Has it been growing bigger? Over how many months?
What other symptoms are also present?
Is there a rash?
Is there difficulty breathing?

If a thyroid goiter is diagnosed, medication treatment or surgical removal may be needed. If a thyroid nodule is suspected, a radioactive thyroid scan, CT scan of the head or neck, or thyroid biopsy may assist in diagnosis and treatment. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of the thyroid gland. This piece will be checked in the lab.

If the lump is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. If the cause is a benign mass or cyst, surgical removal may be necessary.

Review Date: 1/18/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003098

Breast lump removal

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:01:56 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Breast lump removal is surgery to remove a lump in the breast.

Alternative Names

Lumpectomy; Wide local excision; Excisional biopsy

Description

Tissue from a solid breast mass can be removed by needle biopsy. This procedure places a needle into the lump to take out a piece of tissue. The tissue is then checked for cancer cells.

If the entire lump is surgically removed, the procedure is called a lumpectomy. For a lumpectomy, general or local anesthesia with or without sedatives is used. Once the area is pain-free, an incision is made and the lump is removed, as is the surrounding rim of normal breast tissue. The lump is then sent to a laboratory for examination.

For a fluid-filled lump (cyst), a needle and syringe are used to drain fluid. If the fluid is clear or green and not bloody, and the cyst disappears completely when drained, nothing further needs to be done. If the fluid is bloody, it is sent to the laboratory for analysis. If there is still a lump after the cyst fluid is drained, or if the lump disappears but returns later, surgery is usually done to remove it.

Indications

If a needle biopsy or a lumpectomy shows that the lump is cancerous, more tests will be required to determine whether the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Staging of a tumor helps your health care provider plan your treatment.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, your age, menopausal status, and overall health. If the entire lump was not removed in the biopsy, you may need surgery to remove the rest of the lump and some surrounding tissue.

Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed.

Risks

You may have pain and soreness after the procedure.

Since a lumpectomy removes a portion of the breast, there may also be a change in the breast's appearance. Dimpling, a noticeable scar, or asymmetry of the two breasts may occur, depending on the size and location of the lump and the size of the breast.

There is a chance that some microscopic pieces of the lump may be left behind, which would need to be removed with another operation.

Risks for any surgery include the following:

Bleeding
Infection

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

Reactions to medications
Breathing problems, pneumonia
Heart problems

For a woman who is in otherwise good health, the risk of a serious complication due to general anesthesia is less than 1%.

Expectations after surgery

The outcome of a lumpectomy depends on the type of lump found and whether or not it is cancerous.

A lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy to the breast usually results in the same long-term survival as a mastectomy.

After mastectomy, some women choose to have a surgical reconstruction of the breast. Lumpectomy typically does not require breast reconstruction.

Convalescence

The recovery period is very short for a simple lumpectomy. Most women are able to resume their usual activities in a week or so.

When cancer is found, follow-up treatment will be scheduled.

Review Date: 6/7/2006

Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002918

Breast lump removal - series

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:42:34 -0700

Back

Overview

Normal anatomy
Indications
Procedure
Aftercare

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Normal anatomy

The female breast is composed mainly of fatty tissue interspersed with fibrous or connective tissue. The circular region around the nipple is often a different color or pigmented. This region is called the areola.

Indications

Early detection of a breast lump is very important to a patient's prognosis (probable outcome). Most breast lumps are not diagnosed at the doctor's office, they are detected by women who give themselves breast self-examinations at home. Any breast lump that persists beyond a few days must be reported to a physician.

In some cases, a needle aspiration of a breast lump can be performed. If the tissue obtained is clearly not cancerous, if no blood was seen on the aspirate, and if the lump disappears after aspiration and does not recur, physicians will often simply observe patients.

Otherwise, the breast lump must be removed surgically to determine if cancer is present.

Procedure

A breast lump may either be a cyst filled with fluid or a solid mass of tissue. A sample of the breast tissue (biopsy) must be made to determine whether malignant (cancerous) cells are present. Almost two-thirds of all breast lumps are benign but the chance of a malignant lump is greatly increased if the woman is past menopause.

While the patient is awake and pain-free (using local anesthesia) or asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made over the lump.

The incision for a lumpectomy is usually around 3 to 4 centimeters long. The incision will also depend on the size of the lump that needs to be removed. After the lump is removed in one piece, it is sent to the laboratory for immediate examination. If the lump is found to be cancerous nearby lymph nodes will be removed to check for the extent of the cancer spreading.

Aftercare

The outcome of the lumpectomy depends on the type of lump found. If the lump is benign (whether it is needle aspirated or excised), no further treatment is required.

If the lump is malignant, the outcome depends on the degree to which the tumor has spread. Radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery. In certain cases of malignant lumps, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective as a radical mastectomy. Typically, lumpectomy does not require a breast replacement (prosthesis).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 3_100003

Testicle lump

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:32 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Prevention

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

A testicle lump is a swelling or mass in one or both testicles.

Alternative Names

Lump in the testicle

Considerations

A testicular lump that doesn't hurt may be a sign of cancer. Most cases of testicular cancer occur when men are between ages 15 and 40, although it can happen at older or younger ages.

Common Causes

Here are some possible causes of a painful testicle:

Injury or trauma
Epididymitis
Infection of the scrotal sac
Mumps
Orchitis (testicular infection)
Testicular torsion
Testicular cancer
Spermatocele (a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells)
Varicocele (a varicose vein along the spermatic cord)

Here are some possible causes if the testicle is not painful:

Testicular cancer
Hydrocele (fluid collection in the scrotum)
Varicocele
Spermatocele
Loop of bowel from a hernia

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider right away if you notice any unexplained lumps or any other changes in your testicles.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, which may include inspecting and palpating the testicles and scrotum, and ask questions about the lump, such as:

When did you notice the lump?
Have you had any previous lumps?
Is there any pain?
Does the lump change in size?
Is only one testicle involved?
Exactly where on the testicle is the lump?
Have you had any recent injuries or infections?
What other symptoms do you have?
Is there scrotal swelling?
Do you have abdominal pain?
Do you have any lumps or swelling elsewhere?
Have you ever had surgery on your testicles or in the area?
Were you born with both testicles in the scrotum?

Diagnostic tests depend on the results of the physical examination.

For a lump caused by orchitis or epididymitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
For a lump caused by mumps, consult your doctor for medication while the disease runs its course.
For a lump caused by testicular torsion, see your health care provider immediately! This emergency condition is very painful and requires prompt surgical correction.
For a lump caused by cancer, radiation, and chemotherapy are treatment options.
For a lump caused by a herniated loop of bowel, surgery may be recommended.
For a lump caused by spermatocele, hydrocele, or varicocele, consult your health care provider about medication and surgical options.

Prevention

Starting in puberty, men at risk for testicular cancer should examine their testicles on a regular basis. This includes men with a family history of testicular cancer, men who have had a previous testicular tumor, or men with an undescended testicle. These men should perform a testicular self exam each month, so that a testicular mass can be detected early. A lump on the testicle may be the first sign of testicular cancer.

Review Date: 8/15/2006

Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003162

Skin lumps

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:08:16 -0700

Overview

Definition
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Warts, multiple - on hands

Lipoma - arm

Warts, flat on the cheek and neck

Wart (verruca) with a cutaneous horn on the toe

Skin lumps

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Skin lumps are any abnormal lump or swelling on the skin.

Considerations

Many people wonder if small bumps or lumps on the body are something to worry about. The majority of lumps that appear on your body are harmless, especially the kind that feel soft and roll easily (lipomas).

Most lumps and swellings are benign (not cancerous). In general, when a lump or swelling appears suddenly (over 24 - 48 hours) and is painful, it is usually caused by an injury or an infection. If the lump comes on slowly over several days or weeks and does not hurt, it may be a tumor.

Common Causes

Lipomas, fatty lumps under the skin
Enlarged lymph glands, usually in the armpits, neck, and groin
Cyst, a closed sac in or under the skin that is lined with skin tissue and contains fluid or semisolid material
Boils, painful, red bumps usually involving a hair follicle
Corn or callus, caused by skin thickening in response to continued pressure (for example, from shoes) and usually occurring on a toe or foot
Warts, a skin virus that develops a rough, hard bump, usually appearing on a hand or foot and often with tiny black dots in the bump
Moles, skin-colored, tan, or brown bumps on the skin
Abscess, infected fluid trapped in a closed space from which it cannot escape
Cancer of the skin (colored or pigmented spot that bleeds easily, changes size or shape, or crusts and doesn't heal)

Home Care

Skin lumps from trauma can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Most other lumps should be looked at by your health care provider before you try any home treatments.

Call your health care provider if

Call your provider if there is any unexplained lump or swelling.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms, including:

Where is the lump?
When did you first notice it?
Is there more than one lump?
What does the lump look like?
What other symptoms do you have?

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done.

Review Date: 4/16/2007

Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003279

Armpit lump

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:05:19 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
References

Illustrations

Female Breast

Lymphatic system

Swollen lymph nodes under arm

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

An armpit lump refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes under the arm.

Alternative Names

Lump in the armpit; Localized lymphadenopathy - armpit; Axillary lymphadenopathy; Axillary lymph enlargement; Lymph nodes enlargement - axillary; Axillary abscess

Considerations

Lumps in the armpit have various causes. Cysts and infections on the surface of the skin of the armpit may be caused by shaving or use of antiperspirants (as opposed to deodorants). This occurs most frequently in adolescents just beginning to shave. Abscesses under the skin may also produce large, painful lumps in the armpit.

Lumps may occur when lymph nodes are swollen due to bacterial or viral infections, vaccinations, and cancer.

Lymph nodes are filters that can catch infectious organisms or cancerous tumor cells. When they do, lymph nodes increase in size and are easily felt. A breast self-examination should always include the armpit because breast cancer can enlarge the armpit lymph nodes even when the breast itself seems perfectly normal.

Common Causes

Bacterial infection
- Arm or breast infection
- Cat scratch disease
- Ascending lymphangitis
- Lymphadenitis
Cancer
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Fungal
- Sporotrichosis
Other
- Benign (harmless) cyst
- Lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
- Normal breast tissue (breast tissue extends into the armpit area)
Vaccinations
- Allergic reaction possibly caused by sulfa drugs, iodine, or penicillin
- Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (rare)
- Smallpox vaccination
- Typhoid vaccine
Viral infection
- AIDS
- Chickenpox
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Shingles (herpes zoster)

Home Care

Home care depends on the reason for the lump. Check with your health care provider to determine the cause.

Call your health care provider if

Call if you have any unexplained armpit lumps. Do not try to diagnose lumps without professional help.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and symptom, such as:

When did you first notice the lump?
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
Are you breast-feeding?
Have you noticed any factors that make it worse?
What other symptoms are also present?
Is the lump painful?

The physical examination may include palpation -- gently pressing the nodes with the fingertips.

Testing depends on what is found during the physical examination. Tests that may be done include:

Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC)
Kidney function tests
Liver function tests
Liver-spleen scan
Lymph node biopsy
Mammogram
Platelet count
X-ray of the chest

OUTLOOK

A lump in the armpit caused by a generalized viral infection will eventually disappear without treatment. A lump in the armpit caused by an allergic reaction will go away after the "trigger" is removed. No treatment is necessary for a lump in the armpit caused by normal breast tissue. Usually, no treatment is necessary for a cyst.

A lump in the armpit caused by a lipoma is harmless, unless it grows so large that it causes discomfort.

The outlook for cancerous lumps depends on the specific type of cancer. See the following for more information:

References

Oguz A, Karadeniz C, Temel EA Citak EC, Okur FV. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in children. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2006;23(7):549-561.

Zakaria S, Johnson R, Pockaj BA, Degnim AC. Breast cancer presenting as unilateral arm edema. J Gen Intern Med. 2007; 22(5):675-676.

Henry PH, Longo DL. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Anthony S. Fauci AS, eds. Harrison’s Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.

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