Unexplained Bump on My Inner Elbow: Seeking Insight
I am a 31-year-old Caucasian female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 152 pounds. Approximately two months ago, I noticed an unusual bump on my left forearm, which seemed to develop suddenly coinciding with an IV contrast procedure and multiple blood draws. The bump is noticeable primarily when my arm is extended. Recently, an ultrasound was conducted, but it revealed no underlying issues. Two different doctors have evaluated the bump—one suspected golfer's elbow while another proposed the possibility of a lipoma. The area feels somewhat dense, and I've been experiencing intermittent bone and nerve pain in my elbow and upper and lower arm, particularly around the site of the bump. There is also a subtle diagonal swelling on my inner elbow extending along the side of my arm, leaving me uncertain about its nature. Initially, I visited the emergency room twice due to unusual sensations of pain radiating towards my armpit. However, I found no abnormalities in that area, such as swelling. Tests for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) returned negative results. Additionally, I underwent a D-Dimer test, all troponin levels were normal, and my EKG showed no issues. Although my white blood cell count was slightly elevated, as were the monocytes, I have not experienced any fever or notable signs of infection. Regarding my medical background, I have familial combined hyperlipidemia and a potential case of chronic pancreatitis, which remains asymptomatic following a previous episode of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. I do not consume alcohol but do smoke. My daily medications include atorvastatin (40 mg), fenofibrate (67 mg), famotidine (20 mg), and a probiotic. Any insights or advice on this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 4:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a lot with the unexplained bump on your inner elbow, and I appreciate you providing such detailed information. You have taken significant steps in addressing your symptoms and concerns, and I’ll do my best to guide you.
Main Points:
- The bump on your elbow could be due to various reasons, including a lipoma or irritation from previous medical procedures.
- You’ve had thorough evaluations, including ultrasounds and tests for serious conditions like DVT, and results are largely reassuring.
- Ongoing discomfort and sensations should be monitored, especially if they change or worsen.
Explanation:
The bump you described, along with the other symptoms you're experiencing, can occur for several reasons. Given that two doctors have suggested different potential causes—golfer's elbow (which refers to tendinitis) and a lipoma (a benign fatty tumor)—it could be a form of localized irritation or a benign growth. The fact that tests have ruled out serious conditions is a good sign, but the intermittent pain and swelling still warrant attention.
Your history of familial combined hyperlipidemia and chronic pancreatitis is also relevant, but they are not typically linked to localized soft tissue lumps. Nicotine use can affect healing and circulation, so that's also worth addressing.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the bump, pain levels, and associated sensations. Note if the bump changes size or if you have new symptoms (e.g., increased pain, redness, warmth).
-
Limit Irritation: Avoid activities that put strain on your elbow (like repetitive flexing or extending), which can exacerbate pain and swelling. Use ice packs to reduce any inflammation for short periods.
-
Self-Care Measures: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help manage discomfort, but talk to a pharmacist about what would be appropriate based on your current medications.
-
Follow Up: If your symptoms do not improve, consider asking your healthcare provider about further imaging studies or alternative diagnoses. Asking about a referral to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a rheumatologist, may provide additional insights.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Since you mentioned smoking, consider seeking resources or support to help you quit. This can improve overall health and potentially aid in recovery.
-
Stress Management: Given the uncertainty and stress from your symptoms, engaging in stress-reducing activities such as light exercise (as tolerated), yoga, or mindfulness may help with your overall well-being.
Stay attentive to your symptoms and ensure you have open communication with your healthcare providers about your ongoing concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further clarification or if things change!
Related Questions
Unexplained Symptoms Over the Past Few Years
Greetings, Around three years ago, I started to experience a variety of symptoms that appeared quite abruptly. They seemed to improve briefly, only to return later. This initial onset threw me into a panic, leading me to suspect something severe, like cancer. After consulting my physician, I underwent tests through a neurologist and had multiple lab analyses, yet no definitive diagnosis emerged. Frustrated by the ongoing uncertainty, I ceased my attempts to find answers and have not revisited the doctor for these issues in years. This situation dates back to approximately 2021, coinciding with my time as a nursing student. While I can't be sure if there's a connection, it was around this period that I contracted COVID-19 for the first time and also received my annual flu shot as part of my nursing curriculum. Additionally, I was treated for melanoma during this time, undergoing a Mohs procedure to eliminate it, which was part of the initial anxiety surrounding my symptoms. Below are the symptoms I’ve documented: The first change I noticed was an unrelenting muscle fatigue. Simple tasks such as carrying groceries or working outdoors left me feeling immensely winded. I began to realize that the muscles in my neck felt excessively weak, and my arms and legs, although still functional, felt distinctly weaker than before. Although I could still perform my usual activities, I often felt unsteady, especially when descending stairs. Shortly thereafter, I began suffering from frequent muscle cramps at night and persistent twitching in my muscles during the day, particularly in my legs. I also observed involuntary movements in the inner arches of my feet, which, while somewhat common, were consistently present and unusual for me. Another concerning symptom was the onset of intermittent blurred vision. This issue varies in intensity, making it particularly troublesome during episodes that seem to flare up, often exacerbated by bright lighting, like that from screens or sunlight streaming through open windows. I found myself increasing the font size on screens and printed material because reading became quite challenging. While I haven’t seen an eye care professional yet, the suddenness of these vision problems caught me off guard. Additionally, I observed a significant size disparity between the muscles in my arms; my left arm appeared noticeably bulkier than my right. As a left-handed individual, I had never paid much attention to this before, though it’s possible it’s been like this for some time. The most perplexing symptom, one that’s been difficult to research, involves my right shoulder area. The deltoid region developed an odd squishy sensation. This prompts me to mention the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. I’ve found no information on this symptom, and inquiries yield little guidance. Initially, it felt as if a lump had developed beneath my deltoid. Gradually, the entire area became squishy, resembling fibrous, lumpy tissue rather than muscle. In contrast, when I flex my left arm, it feels muscular and firm, whereas the right arm feels substantially softer. This strange condition raises questions—could a flaw in the vaccine administration by classmate healthcare students have contributed to this issue, or is it related to my other unexplained symptoms? As for medical evaluations, my Basic Metabolic Panel and Magnesium levels were unremarkable, as was my Complete Blood Count. Further inflammatory markers including CRP, CK, and ESR all returned normal results. My hemoglobin A1c was towards the high end of normal but did not classify as pre-diabetic. Autoimmune tests yielded no significant findings, and a nerve conduction study did not reveal any abnormal results either. The results from an EMG suggested mild increased insertional activity in several tested muscles, though it was deemed possibly normal, yet it might indicate an EMG disease. Unfortunately, I was unable to undergo MRI imaging due to insurance challenges at that time. I am a 42-year-old male with no significant past medical history beyond the prior melanoma and not currently using medication, aside from over-the-counter Benadryl for sleep issues. Apologies for the detailed narrative, but I felt this could be a valuable forum for seeking perspectives. I appreciate your time. It’s important to clarify that I am not prone to hypochondria; prior to these developments, I rarely sought medical care and, oddly enough, didn’t even have a primary care provider when these symptoms began.
Young Plumber with Herniated Discs Seeks Guidance
Greetings, medical professionals. I am a 17-year-old plumber who has dedicated the past two years to this trade, beginning when I was just 15. About two years ago, I was involved in a car accident that led to the discovery of three herniated discs: one located in my upper back, while the other two are situated in the mid to lower back region. While it's possible that these injuries stemmed from the accident, I suspect they might not be entirely related. Interestingly, disc problems seem to be common in my family. I'm concerned about my prospects moving forward. What can I expect in terms of health as I age, especially regarding these injuries? Moreover, how can I prevent a situation where I may struggle with mobility in my 50s or 60s? For some time, my pain subsided, but recently, I've started to experience discomfort again in the mid to lower back area, reminiscent of what I felt initially. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.
Concerns About Potential Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
For the past three to four years, I have been dealing with a persistent numbness in my left foot. Initially, I suspected it might be due to a pinched nerve or perhaps something similar, but the sensation has never completely returned. As time has gone by, I've encountered additional worrying symptoms: - My feet have started to develop a purple hue, particularly evident when I sit in positions that put pressure on my legs or when I take a shower. This discoloration has become one of the most alarming signs of my condition. - The growth of my toenails has slowed considerably, and they now appear uneven and ridged. - Additionally, my feet have a temperature that feels significantly colder than the rest of my body, and they no longer grow hair as they once did. I do not smoke and I’m not diabetic; however, I have high cholesterol and received an elevated result on a lipoprotein test. The prospect of PAD is frightening to me, as it seems synonymous with a grim future. I have been referred to a cardiologist, but they are reluctant to conduct an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test since I am under 35. I want to remain hopeful and believe I don't have PAD, yet I struggle to identify any other plausible explanations for these symptoms. What could be potential alternatives to consider, if any exist?
Understanding Kidney Pain: Should You Be Concerned?
As a 15-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB), I've been dealing with acid reflux, although I've been neglecting to take any supplements. I also have scoliosis, which I doubt is linked to my current issue. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my kidney area, specifically in my back, where my kidneys are situated. My mother suggested that this discomfort might indeed stem from my kidneys. For several months now, I haven't pinpointed the cause. I typically consume about 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily, and occasionally I drink cola, though I've reduced that due to my reflux. I sometimes have peach juice or plain tea, but those drinks have become quite infrequent. Despite my fluid intake, it seems my pain level remains consistent regardless of what I drink. The pain primarily affects my right kidney, but during more intense episodes, I also feel discomfort in my left kidney. I've tried lying down and applying gentle pressure to the area, which provides a bit of relief. Aside from occasional bladder discomfort today, I haven't experienced any additional pain that relates to my kidneys, aside from the persistent back pain from scoliosis and the usual stomach and chest pains from my reflux. Is it necessary for me to consult a doctor about this concern? 🥺 I am hesitant to go unless it's truly serious because I was hospitalized last summer due to undiagnosed tics and twitches—likely anxiety-related—and I spent the entire winter seeing doctors for this issue and my scoliosis. I’m also worried about missing school due to more medical appointments, especially since my doctor has a packed schedule, and I'm uncertain if she would prioritize my concern if it doesn't seem urgent. When I was hospitalized last summer, tests including urine and blood analysis showed no significant issues, so I'm unsure whether this warrants another visit now.