Persistent Bump on the Upper Back
Subject Information: 26-year-old female Height: 5 feet Current Medications: None Duration of Symptom: 5 months Location of Concern: Upper back For several months, I've noticed a bump on my back that began with a belief it might just be a sizable pimple. While that is still a possibility, I would appreciate a professional evaluation. The bump is of medium size, exhibiting minimal redness. Initially, I experienced no discomfort; it merely presented as a protrusion. However, it has since become sensitive when touched and developed a small dark area around it. Importantly, there are no signs of an open wound. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 2:20:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a persistent bump on your upper back, especially since it's changed over time. Given that you've noticed sensitivity and a dark area developing around the bump, it's important to pay attention to these changes.
Key Points:
- The bump could be a variety of things, such as a sebaceous cyst, a lipoma (fatty tumor), or even a benign growth.
- Changes in size, sensitivity, and coloration can indicate a need for further assessment.
Explanation:
Bumps on the skin can be quite common and often harmless, particularly if they don't cause pain or discomfort initially. However, since you've mentioned that the bump has become more sensitive and developed a dark area, these changes warrant a closer look. A sebaceous cyst, for instance, might not always require treatment unless it becomes infected or bothersome. On the other hand, if the bump is changing, it's wise to monitor it closely.
Next Steps:
-
Observe the Bump: Keep an eye on the size, pain level, and any changes in color or texture over the next week. Note anything unusual, such as an increase in redness or swelling.
-
Avoid Irritation: Try not to touch or squeeze the bump to prevent irritation or infection.
-
Self-Examination: Gently feel the bump. If it feels hard, soft, or movable under the skin can help provide clues about what it might be.
-
Considerations for Action: If the bump grows, becomes extremely painful, starts to ooze, or if you develop systemic symptoms like fever, it's important to seek professional evaluation.
While most bumps like these are benign, being proactive about monitoring changes is the best approach. If you’re ever in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out for a professional evaluation to ensure peace of mind.
Related Questions
Is It Possible to Experience Withdrawal Symptoms After Discontinuing GLP-1 Medications?
I’m a 29-year-old female weighing 155 pounds. For just over a year, I have been using a .25 dose of Wegovy (semaglutide). As I prepare for gallbladder surgery on July 14 to remove a 4.2cm gallstone, I felt it was necessary to pause my medication regimen. It has been three weeks since I stopped, and recently, I’ve been experiencing episodes of a racing heartbeat. Oddly enough, sitting exacerbates the sensation compared to standing, and at times, I feel faint. This symptom is new for me and usually lasts for about an hour. I searched for information regarding withdrawal symptoms from abruptly stopping this medication, but found no clear answers.
Understanding My Symptoms: Seeking Clarity
I’m a 25-year-old female, and I've been grappling with various health issues that have persisted over the years. My symptoms fluctuate both in presence and intensity, akin to flare-ups. There are days when I feel alright and convince myself that it’s all in my imagination; however, symptoms often resurface, and when they become severe, it leads me to believe something is seriously wrong. Tests have ruled out conditions like lupus and celiac disease, and so far, my results have not indicated other autoimmune disorders. My gynecologist mentioned the possibility of PCOS, and I’m currently scheduled to have my hormone levels examined. Notably, I’ve had three ultrasounds over the years, all of which returned normal results. I’m increasingly inclined to suspect endometriosis, although my menstrual pain has never incapacitated me completely. While I do endure significant discomfort, particularly in the first three days of my period, I generally manage without medication. **Gastrointestinal Symptoms:** - **Indigestion:** I find that my food takes an unusually long time to digest. Occasionally, I experience flare-ups that lead to a loss of appetite and nausea. - **Gas - **Bowel irregularities:** I experience both constipation and looser stools, compounded by my lactose intolerance, though I rarely consume dairy products. **Hormonal Challenges:** - I sometimes endure moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms, including irritability, apathy, bloating, and water retention, which intensify from the time of ovulation until a couple of days into my period. The resultant physical changes often lead me to appear pregnant, even though I maintain a healthy BMI. **Test Results and Diagnoses:** - Low vitamin D levels - Low ferritin paired with normal or high iron levels - Acne - Androgenetic alopecia - Ovary positioned beneath the uterus, considered functional by my medical team. **Other Symptoms:** - **Liver Pain:** Though I mostly felt this during my teenage years, it still occurs occasionally. It feels as though something is pressing against my ribs, and discomfort increases when lying down. - **Lung and Diaphragm Pain:** I mostly experienced this in my younger years, yet I still encounter it sometimes. The sensation feels like specific areas are being compressed, causing mild pain during breathing. - **Headaches and Breathlessness:** Occasionally, I experience headaches accompanied by a feeling of shortness of breath, reminiscent of a mild asthma attack (which I only have infrequently during particularly bad allergy seasons). - **Rare Palpitations** **Bladder Issues:** I frequently experience a pressing need to urinate, often requiring a visit about every hour or two while I am awake and occasionally at night. If I cannot make it to the bathroom right away, I suffer significant discomfort and bloating, often lacking the gradual buildup of urgency. **Gynecological Concerns:** - I often feel a scraping, aching sensation in the front area of my pelvis, especially during menstruation, akin to an injury being aggravated. - **Ovulation Pain:** This is particularly painful in my right ovary. My gynecologist attributes this to its position beneath my uterus, causing inflammation during ovulation. Despite being on Nexplanon, which should suppress ovulation, I still experience discomfort. - **Vaginismus:** This condition troubled me more in the past, but now it only flares up occasionally. - **UTI-like Symptoms:** In the past, I experienced frequent infections that resembled candidiasis, characterized primarily by itchiness and discomfort without much discharge. For two years, such infections occurred nearly every month; however, symptoms have become less frequent and more manageable lately, seemingly improving with reduced sexual activity and vitamin D supplementation. **Irregular Menstrual Cycles:** My periods have always been unpredictable. During my teenage years, I lost my period for two years due to significant weight loss, and now my cycles are longer and more painful. After two years on Nexplanon, I typically bleed for 7-10 days, take a break for about five days, and then have another episode of bleeding lasting 5-7 days. **Vaginal Dryness** **Sleep, Fatigue, and Other Concerns:** When possible, I sleep for up to 12 hours a night, although the quality of my sleep leaves much to be desired, leading to persistent feelings of fatigue. During summer, I sometimes experience episodes resembling panic attacks or sudden drops in glucose levels, manifesting as shakiness, cold sweats, and faintness, which subside when I rest in a cool environment and consume a substantial meal. **Mental Health:** Over time, managing these ongoing symptoms has also contributed to feelings of depression and other mental health struggles. I genuinely appreciate any assistance or insight you might offer. Thank you!
Minor Deep Laceration
Is it possible for this wound to heal properly on its own without medical intervention? There appears to be exposed tissue. Posted 24 hours ago by a 31-year-old male.
Concern About Nail Discoloration
Greetings everyone. I’m a 31-year-old male and I’ve recently noticed a dark line appearing on my thumbnail. Notably, this line does not originate from the nail matrix. After doing some research, I've found that melanoma typically begins at the nail matrix, which has caused me considerable anxiety. I’m feeling quite stressed about the situation. I’ve observed that the line is not located on the nail bed, which seems to be a common factor in images associated with melanoma. Am I misinformed about this? My worries continue to mount. I consulted a dermatologist who used a dermatoscope to examine my nail. She indicated that it does not appear to be a tumor, but I’m left questioning whether I should fully rely on her assessment. I have a follow-up appointment scheduled in three months, yet I find it difficult to trust her judgment completely. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Concern Over Triangular Indentation on Forehead
I am a 35-year-old woman and I’ve recently become increasingly concerned about a triangular-shaped indentation located at the upper part of my forehead. I first observed this unusual dent about a month ago, although I can't pinpoint exactly how long it's been present. The area not only appears to be dented, but it also feels indented when I touch it. It seems to be becoming more pronounced, although I'm not completely sure about that. I should mention that there haven’t been any instances of trauma to my forehead and I don’t wear hats. I'm curious about what this could possibly signify and whether it warrants a medical examination. If so, which type of healthcare professional should I consult? Also, here are some details about my health: I'm 176 cm tall, weigh 63 kg, and currently take isotretinoin at a dosage of 24 mg. I have a medical history that includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and mild Raynaud's syndrome. Additionally, I vape, but I have not experienced any hair loss in conjunction with this issue. This dent’s location is just starting from my hairline at the top of my forehead, and I would appreciate any insight or advice on this matter.