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What Causes A Lump On The Back?
Question: Hi, today I went for a massage and the masseuse said that I have a hard lump next to my spine on the mid/lower part of my back which she didn't think was a knot. It's a bit painful when pressed and is around the size of a grape or so in diameter. This lump isn't visible to the eye and can only befelt be examining the area. I'm a 27 year old female, I go to the gym regularly and eat a healthy diet. I do suffer from endometriosis. Could you let me know what you think this is? I'm a little concerned with it being quite hard and doesnt move. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Sebacous cysr vs epidermoid cyst....
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HealthcareMagic.
I have read your symptoms and my answer is as follows :
The lump that you've described, is either a sebaceous cyst or an epidermoid cyst (depending from the origin under our skin)
The skin near the spine is very attached to the bones structures and it doesn't move easily. The cysts, are inflamed, it means there is swelling around the skin. So it is harder for these kind of cyst to move. Also these cysts are just under the skin and this makes it harder to move.
Both are benign and nothing to be worried.
There are two options about the treatment. One option is that the everything will get back at normal, no inflammation or infection within 4 or 5 days. It does not need any type of treatment. If you have pain you can take Ibuprofen 400 mg twice a day after food for 1 or 2 days.
The second option is that these cysts get bigger and bigger and get infected and need surgery (drainage or removal of the cyst)
If I're your caring doctor I would recommend to wait a few days for everything to get normal. No need to use anything,just ibuprofen for the pain.
In case the lump gets bigger, or if you get any fever (rarely), pain gets worse -- then you need to check up with a surgeon to remove the cyst.
If you have any other question, don't hesitate to contact me.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.Endri Katro
Sebacous cysr vs epidermoid cyst....
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HealthcareMagic.
I have read your symptoms and my answer is as follows :
The lump that you've described, is either a sebaceous cyst or an epidermoid cyst (depending from the origin under our skin)
The skin near the spine is very attached to the bones structures and it doesn't move easily. The cysts, are inflamed, it means there is swelling around the skin. So it is harder for these kind of cyst to move. Also these cysts are just under the skin and this makes it harder to move.
Both are benign and nothing to be worried.
There are two options about the treatment. One option is that the everything will get back at normal, no inflammation or infection within 4 or 5 days. It does not need any type of treatment. If you have pain you can take Ibuprofen 400 mg twice a day after food for 1 or 2 days.
The second option is that these cysts get bigger and bigger and get infected and need surgery (drainage or removal of the cyst)
If I're your caring doctor I would recommend to wait a few days for everything to get normal. No need to use anything,just ibuprofen for the pain.
In case the lump gets bigger, or if you get any fever (rarely), pain gets worse -- then you need to check up with a surgeon to remove the cyst.
If you have any other question, don't hesitate to contact me.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.Endri Katro
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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