Concern Regarding a Growth on My Son's Finger
As a 40-year-old mother of three, I'm reaching out for advice about a persistent issue my 15-year-old son has been facing. He has been developing a growth on his index finger for some time now. Initially, I consulted with a pharmacist who recommended a wart treatment, which we tried—though it reduced in size slightly, it never fully disappeared. Over six months ago, I took him to see his family doctor, who expressed doubt about it being a wart, suggesting it could be something else entirely. Consequently, he was placed on a waiting list for a minor surgical procedure. Living in Quebec, I understand that a six-month wait is typical, but I’m concerned as this growth has started to increase significantly in size; it feels soft and can be tender at times. Visually, it resembles a large skin tag connected to his finger, with a watery blister-like appearance at the tip. I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have encountered a similar situation. Should I consider returning to his family doctor to expedite his hospital appointment? Or would seeking private care be a better option? Any suggestions would be appreciated! I attempted to share some images for reference, but I wasn't aware that I couldn't do so. Thank you for your understanding!
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 6:10:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to be concerned about your son's growth, especially as it is changing and causing tenderness. The appearance and characteristics you've described, such as being soft, tender, and resembling a large skin tag with a watery blister-like tip, are important details that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Explanation
The growth on your son's finger might not be a wart, especially since it has not fully responded to treatment and is increasing in size. Other possibilities could include benign skin lesions like a seborrheic keratosis, a cyst, or something else that may require attention. It’s important to have a clear diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be offered.
Next Steps
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Consult His Family Doctor Again: Given that the growth has changed and increased in size, I recommend revisiting his family doctor. Explain the recent changes and your concerns to possibly expedite the appointment for a reassessment or to inquire about the waitlist for the surgical procedure.
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Consider Private Consultation: If you're feeling very anxious about the wait, seeking a private consultation could provide peace of mind and quicker access to a specialist. This is especially an option if you can find a dermatologist or a surgeon who may be able to see him sooner.
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Keep Monitoring Symptoms: While you're waiting for the next steps, keep an eye on any additional changes in size, color, or tenderness of the growth, as well as any new symptoms (like pain or discharge). This information can be helpful for his doctor.
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Document Any Changes: Keep a record of when the growth appeared, its size, and any other relevant details, as this will assist the doctor in making a diagnosis.
Approaching this with clear communication and monitoring should help facilitate the best care for your son. You're doing an excellent job by being proactive and seeking the right help for him. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
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