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What Causes Enlarged Lymph Node?
Question: It feels like I have a mass on/ around my bicep/tricep area. Its under the skin and painless. I'm 42 years old. Just had a physical but currently had an MRI for a brachial plaxy issue( arm weakness/lack of strength). Just noticed it really last night and now I'm concerned.I'm supposed to be going on a trip and unsure if I should go before having it looked at.
Brief Answer:
Possibility of LN OR Lipoma, Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
It could be just an enlarged Lymph node(LN) secondary to a local cause, since it has a very short history Or it could be a Lipoma, if it had gone unnoticed in the past.
I am Dr. Kakkar, I have gone through your concern. I would like to gather some more information from you in order to be able to help you better.
--Is it freely movable?
--What is the consistency like?Is it soft or is it hard?
--Is it on the same arm which is affected by weakness?
--Can you upload a clear picture of the swelling/mass?
I would advice that you get a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology(FNAC) from the swelling in order to ascertain the exact origin/composition of the swelling.
A lymph node swelling could be due to a local cause.
Lipoma is a benign tumor of adipose tissue and usually presents as asymptomatic/ painless, soft/rubbery swellings which slip under the fingers when pressed.
Lipomas are usually small (under one centimeter diameter), remain the same size over years or grow very slowly.
Usually, treatment of a lipoma is not necessary, unless the tumor becomes painful or restricts movement or becomes unsightly or bothersome.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I wouldn't say it moves freely and seems harder than soft. Seems attached to the muscle. It is the arm with weakness. You have to feel/rub my arm to notice the bump. I will try to take a picture but might be hard to see. Hardly slept as I was concerned over the potential severity.
Brief Answer:
FNAC
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Could be a Lymph Node Or a Lipoma. I would advice that you get a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology(FNAC) from the swelling in order to ascertain the exact origin/composition of the swelling.
The MRI that you had got done, might have included it already?? That would also confirm the nature of this swelling.. If MRI does'nt mention anything about it, get an FNAC done. FNAC would be conclusive.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It's not really swollen as you have to press the skin the feel something. It's near the top outside part of my bicep. The MRI was of my shoulder and neck area so I don't think it was reviewed. Do you view this as something serious that I need to skip my trip? My recent physical blood work came back clean.
Brief Answer:
FNAC can be delayed
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I think you can go ahead with your trip. FNAC can be delayed for a few days Would most likely turn up as a benign thing (most likely it is a lipoma Or a cyst* OR a lymph node)
*You mentioned in your history that you have a family history of cysts.
Have a good trip.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I tend to stress and assume worst case scenario...I hardly slept last night and spent a few hours last night feeling my arm. I will be seeing my orthopedic soon, hopefully this week.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for posting your concern at Healthcaremagic
Have a good trip
regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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