OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Unusual Red Lump in My Navel

6/27/2025, 2:40:21 PMMale25-34

Today, I discovered a peculiar small red bump located in my navel. As a 16-year-old assigned male at birth and currently not on hormone treatment, I’m uncertain about what it could possibly be. I attempted to search online for information, but most of the results pertained to infections related to navel piercings, which I don’t have. When I touch the bump or lie on my stomach, I feel a bit of discomfort, yet aside from that, it remains asymptomatic. There’s no discharge or moisture associated with it; it simply exists without much change. Does anyone have any insights on what this could be and suggestions for possible treatment?

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/27/2025, 2:40:41 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about a new bump in your navel, especially since it hasn’t changed much and there are no other symptoms. The lump could potentially be a small skin tag, a pimple, or an inflamed sebaceous cyst, all of which are common and often harmless. However, discomfort, especially when touching or lying on it, suggests that it might warrant closer observation.

Explanation

  1. Common Causes:

    • Sebaceous Cyst: A blocked gland that can cause a small lump. These can be painless but may feel sensitive when touched.
    • Skin Tag: Small growths that can sometimes occur in various places on the body without being harmful.
    • Pimple or Folliculitis: Inflammation or infection of hair follicles can create bumps, which can be tender.
  2. Uncommon but Serious Causes: While less likely, it's always good to stay informed about things like a hernia (though usually associated with more noticeable symptoms), or a dermatological issue.

Next Steps

  1. Observe: Monitor the lump closely over the next week for any changes in size, color, or if it becomes painful or starts to discharge fluid.

  2. Avoid Irritants: Try not to touch or irritate the area further. Avoid tight clothing that might rub against your navel.

  3. Good Hygiene: Keep the area clean; gently wash with mild soap and water during your daily routine.

  4. Symptom Diary: Consider keeping a brief note of how the bump changes over time, including any new symptoms or discomfort, to help better assess it later.

  5. Consultation If Needed: If the lump grows significantly, becomes very painful, or if you notice new symptoms like redness spreading or fever, it might be worth seeking advice from a healthcare provider.

It's not uncommon to be faced with unusual findings on your body, and many times they are benign. Stay aware and proactive, and you’ll be navigating this situation wisely. If you have concerns or new symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to seek out support or further confirmation from professionals.

Related Questions

Worries About Laboratory Results

Hello all. I'm a 32-year-old male weighing approximately 210 pounds and standing at 5 feet 11 inches with a muscular physique. Lately, I've been experiencing severe constipation. On the same day I performed a colon cleanse, I also underwent some blood tests. The results were mostly normal, but my AST level was reported at 38, and my Ferritin level was at 391. In addition to the constipation issues, I’ve been dealing with migraines, nausea, and a lightheaded sensation. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this or what I should do next?

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
4 minutes ago

Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience

Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to share something that occurred during my early teenage years, specifically when I was approximately 12 to 14 years old. I’m currently 25. (Female) To give you a brief overview, there was an incident when I was leaning down at my locker, and all of a sudden, my neck locked to one side. I was completely unable to move it back into its normal position, which caused me significant discomfort. My father decided it would be best to take me to a chiropractor, and while that did help somewhat, the pain was still quite severe. Additionally, I noticed a peculiar smell lingering for about a week post-visit. This episode repeated itself a few months later, with the same painful experience and that odd smell following the chiropractic adjustment. Since those occurrences, I've only encountered similar issues twice. On those occasions, instead of seeing a chiropractor, I opted for hospital treatment, where I received muscle relaxants that didn’t leave me with the strange odor or intense pain. However, I’ve been dealing with ongoing soreness in my right shoulder, and it seems to easily get strained. My head also tends to lean to one side quite noticeably. I’m curious to know what might have caused the neck stiffening, the severe pain, and that unusual smell following my chiropractic visits as a child. Could choosing chiropractic care over medical attention have led to any long-term repercussions?

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
14 minutes ago

Are Comprehensive Physical Examinations on the Decline?

Recently, I visited my primary care physician for my annual check-up. Upon arrival, the doctor briefly inquired about my health and conducted a quick assessment by listening to my heart and breathing. To my surprise, he concluded with a simple, "Everything looks good, see you next year!" What happened to the thorough physical examinations that once included a complete assessment, like the traditional checks of reflexes and other vital signs? This experience left me questioning the purpose of my primary care doctor. At 37 years of age, standing at 6 feet tall and residing in the United States, I find myself wondering if such brief consultations are becoming the norm. Why do we even maintain relationships with primary care physicians if such abbreviated visits are standard?

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
14 minutes ago

Should I Get a Second Opinion About This Lump?

**Breast Ultrasound Report:** **Findings for the Right Breast:** The breast consists of typical fibro-fatty glandular tissue. A distinct hypoechoic mass has been identified at the 7 o’clock position, measuring 1.6 cm by 0.5 cm. This lesion does not show any signs of disrupting nearby structures or causing ductal dilation. Additionally, a color Doppler assessment reveals no notable blood flow within this area. There are no indications of calcifications or distortions within the architecture of the breast. The skin appears normal without signs of thickening or nipple inversion, and there is no duct dilation present. Several lymph nodes within the axillary region appear normal, with the largest measuring 1.7 cm by 0.6 cm. **Findings for the Left Breast:** The glandular tissue in the left breast is also normal. There are no abnormal masses, calcifications, or architectural irregularities detected. Similar to the right breast, there is no skin thickening or inversion of the nipple, nor any duct dilation. A few axillary lymph nodes are evident, with one measuring 1.6 cm by 0.5 cm, all appearing benign. **Conclusion:** The findings in the right breast point towards benign characteristics, likely indicating a fibroadenoma (BIRADS-II classification). The left breast shows a normal scan, while benign-appearing lymph nodes are noted bilaterally in the axillary regions. It is recommended to correlate clinically and consider follow-up sonography for more comprehensive evaluation.

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

An Extended Nosebleed Incident

I experienced a nosebleed that lasted approximately half an hour and was considering a trip to the emergency room. Fortunately, it ceased just prior to my decision, and I have not encountered any further bleeding in the last twenty minutes. I am a 36-year-old female with a medical history that includes asthma, Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and Hashimoto's disease. Currently, I am on a regimen that includes an estradiol patch, progesterone, Armour thyroid, and ProAir. Given that the bleeding has stopped completely, I wonder what actions medical professionals might have taken if I had sought their help. Additionally, I’m unsure how to upload any images related to this incident.

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago