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What Causes Small Lump On Upper Arm And Pulling Sensation In Lower Arm?
Question: recently I discovered a small lump under my upper arm - but when I raise that arm I feel a pull that extends from the lower arm - is it because the lump is on the muscle? the lump feels like is on a vein
Brief Answer:
No worries, possibly a lipoma (not serious)
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It might be of interest to clarify a few things from the start. Is this lump painful? Is it increasing in size? Do you have any associated lymph nodes in your armpits? Do you have any fever? Have you ever had such nodes elsewhere in the body?
In case you have no fever, no lymph nodes and no pain, this is very reassuring. the chances of this being an infection or a cancer are very slim.
Your description fits between two possibilities. The first is called a lipoma. This is simply a collection of fatty tissue within the skin and is generally not harmful. It is only reduced if it becomes too big. If not, it can be allowed there with no real problems. It can also be removed if it starts compressing nearby structures like blood vessels and nerves. In this case you can experience pain, weakness or tingling. If you have none of these, it is reassuring. A simple solid nodule beneath the skin or a cyst are other possibilities. If yes, they too are not serious and easy manageable.
It is most likely this is a lipoma, and you will not need to be disturbed. However, you will have to watch out for pain, fever, increase in size or any compression of nearby structures. In this case, you will have to see your doctor.
The diagnosis is very simple, and to be very sure and reassured, you could book an appointment with your primary care physician.
In my opinion, for now, no panicking.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain
No worries, possibly a lipoma (not serious)
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It might be of interest to clarify a few things from the start. Is this lump painful? Is it increasing in size? Do you have any associated lymph nodes in your armpits? Do you have any fever? Have you ever had such nodes elsewhere in the body?
In case you have no fever, no lymph nodes and no pain, this is very reassuring. the chances of this being an infection or a cancer are very slim.
Your description fits between two possibilities. The first is called a lipoma. This is simply a collection of fatty tissue within the skin and is generally not harmful. It is only reduced if it becomes too big. If not, it can be allowed there with no real problems. It can also be removed if it starts compressing nearby structures like blood vessels and nerves. In this case you can experience pain, weakness or tingling. If you have none of these, it is reassuring. A simple solid nodule beneath the skin or a cyst are other possibilities. If yes, they too are not serious and easy manageable.
It is most likely this is a lipoma, and you will not need to be disturbed. However, you will have to watch out for pain, fever, increase in size or any compression of nearby structures. In this case, you will have to see your doctor.
The diagnosis is very simple, and to be very sure and reassured, you could book an appointment with your primary care physician.
In my opinion, for now, no panicking.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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