Bump On Back Over Spine. Why Is It Fluid Filled? Does A Dark Brown Color Denote Something Fatal?

Posted on Mon, 16 Jul 2012

Question: My 2 yr old daughter has a bump in the middle of her back over her spine. It looks like a bruise that feels like its filled with fluid. Its about the size of a quater and it doesn't seem to be causing her any pain. I've noticed it for the past week because its a dark brown color and sometimes its pink. About 2-3 months ago, she had a scab in that same spot like she had hit or bumped into something, but this past week its been very noticeable. Should I be worried or should I see a doctor?

Answered by Dr. Pratap Sanchetee (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query

I have gone through the details as above. A lump in the back over the spine is always concerning. There are numerous possibilities to explain this lump, but we must rule out if this swelling is from spinal cord or its covering (meningocele) first.

I feel that you should get the baby checked up by a Pediatrician or Pediatric Neurologist to assess for the cause of swelling with or without delayed speech development. Based on clinical evaluation, your doctor may recommend X-ray / Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of cervical spine and brain.

Other possibilities are inflammed cyst / lipoma, etc.

Hope this answers your query. Let me know if you have any other queries.

Wish you and your daughter good health.

Regards
Dr. Pratap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad