Unusual Lump: Seeking Advice from the Community
Hello everyone! I’m new to Reddit and would appreciate your insights on a concerning health issue I’ve been experiencing. I previously reached out in a different thread, but I was advised to share my situation here as well. I’m a 27-year-old woman with a diagnosis of PCOS and currently have an IUD in place. Although I didn’t think pregnancy was possible for me, I do have a boyfriend and understand that nothing is ever completely off the table. On July 4th, I unexpectedly noticed a lump after wiping. This followed several days of severe back pain, cramps, and persistent nausea. After the lump appeared, I experienced light spotting along with significant nausea and vomiting. The lump itself is soft yet maintains its shape, setting it apart from a blood clot. I live quite far north in Canada, about 26 hours away from my primary care physician due to work commitments. It’s a remote area where healthcare resources are limited, with only rotating doctors available who are currently on summer break. When I went to the emergency room, the staff seemed unconcerned and did not perform an ultrasound to check the IUD's position. The facility is very rural, supported mainly by a nurse practitioner. I plan to return home soon, but my family doctor is fully booked for the next five weeks—a situation typical of the Canadian healthcare system. (No disrespect meant to my family in healthcare; I understand they are working within a flawed system!) The hospital informed me that I can expect an eight-week wait for any pathology results but assured me they did submit my sample for testing. Has anyone else dealt with a similar experience? If it turns out to be a polyp, what are the subsequent steps? Though it seems unlikely, could this possibly indicate a miscarriage? I’ve been reading various accounts online, and it’s making me anxious. Communication with licensed professionals has been difficult beyond talking with my mother and stepsister, who, while supportive, are limited in their ability to provide specific medical advice. It’s worth mentioning that both my mother and grandmother had a history of polyps and multiple miscarriages, which adds to my concern. Since my mom and I are both only children, I’m worried about any potential issues that could affect my future plans to become a biological mother. I'm planning to visit a clinic upon my return home, but I am hopeful someone here might offer insight or relate to my situation!
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 6:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the lump you're experiencing, alongside the other symptoms. It’s understandable to feel anxious given your family history and the lack of immediate medical support. Here’s a brief overview of important points, along with guidance on what to do next.
Key Points:
- The lump you described, coupled with your symptoms, warrants further investigation, especially considering your medical history with PCOS and the IUD.
- Potential causes could include polyps, cysts, or other non-pregnancy-related issues, but monitoring and follow-up are essential.
- Your family history may increase your concern, but outcomes vary widely, and many factors influence these health issues.
Explanation:
The symptoms you’re experiencing, such as back pain, cramps, nausea, and the appearance of a lump, need careful consideration. Since you mentioned that your IUD is in place and pregnancy isn't expected, it's crucial to evaluate any abnormalities related to it.
-
Polyp or Cyst: If it turns out to be a polyp, treatment generally involves monitoring, and in some cases, removal if it's causing problems or growing. Polyps do not necessarily affect fertility but should be managed appropriately.
-
Miscarriage Concerns: While recent symptoms can cause concern about a miscarriage, the presence of a lump isn't definitive evidence of this. Your nausea and vomiting could also stem from other factors like hormonal changes associated with PCOS or stress.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in pain, the characteristics of the lump, bleeding, or any new symptoms like fever or severe discomfort. Documenting these can be helpful later on.
-
Seek Immediate Care if Needed: Given your remote location, it’s crucial to reach out again if you experience severe pain, increased bleeding, or other concerning symptoms (like high fever).
-
Follow Up After Coming Home: As you plan to visit a clinic upon returning, ensure to emphasize your symptoms, family history, and concerns about the lump. Request a proper evaluation, which may include an ultrasound or other imaging studies to clarify the situation.
-
Focus on Support and Self-Care: It's natural to feel anxious. Consider reaching out to supportive friends or mental health resources that might help ease anxiety during this waiting period.
Staying informed and proactive about your health can empower you as you navigate the challenges of accessing care. If you have further questions or need reassurance on specific concerns, you can always reach out for more information.
Related Questions
Experiencing Anal Bleeding: Seeking Advice
I’m a 24-year-old female, and I find myself dealing with a troubling issue: every time I wipe, there is bleeding from my anus. I’m uncertain if I should consult a healthcare professional in person concerning this matter. To give you some context, I work at a desk job and am not very physically active outside of work. Additionally, I have diabetes, and my A1C level is currently at 8, which I attribute to various challenges in my life. This year, I've also gained about 40 pounds because of hormonal changes. I'm curious if any of these factors might be connected to my current problem. This bleeding began sporadically last year, but it has escalated to happening every single time I have a bowel movement. Regardless of the type of toilet paper I use or any dietary adjustments I attempt, the issue remains. The bleeding is significant, not minor. Upon inspecting the area, I notice nothing unusual—no bumps, lumps, or signs of irritation. What recommendations could you offer for addressing this condition? Could altering my diet potentially make a difference?
Living with the Challenges of MCAS
I’m a 24-year-old man, standing at 6'1" and weighing 85 kg, which typically suggests a healthy lifestyle. I've rarely had to rely on medication, having been allergic since childhood, though it wasn't a significant issue until last year. Out of nowhere, I began experiencing severe dizziness and nausea every morning, along with debilitating anxiety, complete loss of appetite, and other typical allergy symptoms. After consulting a doctor, I was diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). The treatment involved taking ketotifen, which has proven beneficial; however, it leaves me feeling incredibly fatigued and drowsy each morning. Now, I’m left wondering why my mast cells have suddenly become so reactive and why this condition seems to have intensified. Is lifelong medication the only viable solution for managing MCAS? Could there be a link between my gut health and this recent development? I appreciate any guidance or insight on this matter.
Increased Painful Lump in Armpit
30-year-old individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) - no surgical interventions have been performed (retaining breast tissue). Currently prescribed Adderall, Venlafaxine, and Testosterone. Medical history includes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (c-PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and depression. For approximately a year, I have noticed a firm, marble-sized lump in my right armpit. Initially, it was painless and stable in size, so I chose to disregard it, thinking it might be a benign cyst. However, this morning, I discovered that the lump has increased in size to that of a small cherry and has become tender upon touch. There has been no drainage present. I do have a scheduled appointment with my doctor to address this concern, yet my anxiety levels have surged, particularly with the recent changes in the lump's size and pain.
Understanding My Liver Adenoma Diagnosis
I’m a 32-year-old woman diagnosed with a liver adenoma, specifically inclined towards the HNF1A subtype, measuring 4.6 centimeters in size. My health history includes a thyroidectomy performed in 2017 and a diagnosis of chronic gastritis, which ultimately led to the discovery of the tumor during an ultrasound. In April, I underwent MRI scans both with and without the use of contrast. Although I discontinued my birth control in 2022, my medical team advises against resuming any hormonal contraceptives or medications. I have another MRI scheduled for tomorrow, and to say I’m anxious would be an understatement. While my liver function tests are within normal ranges—as I’ve only had a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)—I still find myself questioning if that's sufficient for my situation. I’m striving to maintain trust in my healthcare provider, who is exceptionally skilled, yet the worry surrounding our health and bodies is always present. Both my ultrasound and MRI results indicated no signs of liver scarring or fatty infiltration. My uncertainty mainly revolves around the subtype of adenoma that has been identified and whether its development could be linked to hormonal factors, or if these are two separate issues entirely. To provide clarity, I’m sharing the findings directly extracted from my medical report: "The imaging reveals a mass in hepatic segment 8 that exhibits mild increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Early arterial enhancement is observed, and there is a mild persistence of this enhancement on delayed phase imaging. The mass presents with decreased T1 signal intensity, with a more pronounced loss of signal noted on out-of-phase imaging, likely indicating the presence of intrinsic fat. It has a multilobular configuration with dimensions of 4.6 x 4.0 x 4.3 cm. The mass shows restricted diffusion. This constellation of findings raises suspicion for an adenoma, leaning towards the HNF1A subtype due to the observed signal loss on out-of-phase imaging. Findings are not consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) given the signal loss. This mass has been newly identified since 2016. No other hepatic masses are noted, and there is no dilation of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary ducts. The gallbladder appears normal. The pancreas shows slight normal signal intensity and enhancement, with a normal caliber main pancreatic duct. The spleen and adrenal glands are assessed as normal. Kidneys exhibit symmetrical enhancement and excretion without signs of hydronephrosis, and no enlarged lymph nodes in the mesenteric or retroperitoneal spaces are detected. Evaluation of abdominal bowel structure is limited, and bone marrow signal intensity is unremarkable. IMPRESSION: A 4.6 cm arterial-enhancing mass in hepatic segment 8, exhibiting signal loss on out-of-phase imaging, newly identified since 2016, is suggestive of an adenoma, leaning towards the HNF1A subtype. It is advised to discontinue any oral contraceptive use and perform a follow-up MRI of the abdomen with and without contrast in 6 months to monitor for resolution. Due to the mass size, a biopsy may be recommended. ", Today, I continue to navigate this journey with the hope of gaining clarity and support from my medical team as I address these concerns about my health.
MRI Findings: Benign Meningioma, CSF Flow Challenges, and Chiari Malformation
Greetings everyone, I'm 38 years old and have just received my MRI results. I haven't yet had a chance to consult with my neurologist, and I'm feeling quite anxious, thinking the worst about my health. My understanding is that I've been diagnosed with a benign meningioma located in areas of my brain linked to memory and executive functions—this might explain some struggles I've faced, which made me question if I could be dealing with dementia. Additionally, my MRI reflects issues with CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) flow, which seems reduced or attenuated. The initial reason I sought the MRI was due to symptoms I believe were caused by a Chiari malformation that I've known about since childhood. Lately, I've been experiencing severe brain fog, difficulties with memory, and a feeling of mental cloudiness. I've also been noticing blurry vision, worsening tinnitus whenever I look upwards, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue—I find myself needing about 10 or more hours of sleep at night and an extra 3 to 5 hours during the day. My pressing questions are: • How serious could this condition be? • Is the meningioma or the CSF issue responsible for my symptoms? • Should I consider advocating for surgical options? Any insights or advice would be really appreciated—I'm feeling quite overwhelmed and fearful. I have a devoted husband and a beautiful three-year-old daughter who mean the world to me. **MRI Impression Summary** 1. Mild tonsillar ectopia observed, without signs of cervicomedullary kinking. 2. Biphasic CSF flow noted around the ventral and dorsal aspects of the foramen magnum. 3. An 8 mm enhancing lesion associated with the dura over the left occipital lobe, likely a small meningioma. 4. No evidence of acute infarct detected. **MRI Exam Details** **EXAMINATION:** MRI of the brain with and without contrast. **INDICATION:** History of Chiari malformation; MRI conducted before a neurology appointment. **COMPARISON:** None. **TECHNIQUE:** MRI scans of the brain were taken with and without intravenous contrast. **FINDINGS:** *Brain:* No signs of acute infarction, intraparenchymal bleeding, or abnormal masses. No midline shifts. The cerebellar tonsils are positioned below the foramen magnum, extending up to 7 mm. *Ventricles/Extra-Axial Spaces:* There is an enhancing lesion based in the dura on the left occipital lobe measuring 0.8 x 0.3 cm, displaying mild hyperintensity on T2 sequences. No hydrocephalus or fluid collections were present. CISS images indicate narrowing of the upper cerebral aqueduct with partial effacement of the fourth ventricle. *Intracranial Flow Voids:* Arterial and venous sinus flow appearances are normal. *Cranium/Scalp:* Findings are unremarkable, along with visualized facial structures. *CSF Flow Analysis:* Anterior to the brainstem exhibits biphasic CSF flow at both the anterior and dorsal segments of the foramen magnum. Normal biphasic flow is evident along the cervical spinal cord. However, there is attenuated biphasic CSF flow noted behind the cerebellar tonsils and in the distal ventricular system.