Seeking Dermatological Advice on Persistent Bump
I have a tiny bump on my chest that appears to be flesh-colored or slightly pink. Occasionally, I can squeeze it, but it doesn’t cause me any pain. This bump has been present for quite some time and seems to be permanent. I’m concerned that it might be a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). I recently underwent a comprehensive skin examination, and my dermatologist did not mention this issue. I’ve provided further details in the comments!
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 9:01:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a persistent bump on your chest, especially when thinking about skin conditions like basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It's important to know that BCC often has specific characteristics, and most skin bumps are harmless.
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
Main Points:
- The bump you describe, being small, flesh-colored, and painless, is likely benign.
- The fact that your dermatologist did not mention this issue during your comprehensive exam is reassuring, as they would have thoroughly checked for any concerning signs.
Explanation: Bumps on the skin can be caused by many factors, such as cysts, lipomas, or benign growths, and they do not automatically indicate cancer. BCC often appears as a sore that doesn’t heal, a shiny bump, or a rough patch rather than a small bump. Since you mentioned that squeezing it doesn’t cause pain, it is less likely to be serious.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Bump: Keep an eye on any changes over time. Note if it grows, changes color, or becomes painful, as these could be signs to seek evaluation.
-
Avoid Irritation: If possible, try not to squeeze or irritate the bump, as this can lead to inflammation or infection.
-
Consider a Follow-Up: If you are still worried about it or if the bump changes, consider scheduling a brief follow-up with your dermatologist for reassurance, even if it's just to address your concerns directly.
-
Skin Care Routine: Maintain a gentle skincare regimen; keep the area clean and moisturized. Avoid harsh scrubs or products that might irritate it.
Feel free to monitor your bump and reach out again if you have further questions or if anything changes. Your concerns are valid, and taking these steps can help manage your anxiety and ensure you’re looking after your skin health.
Related Questions
Experiencing Unusual Neurological Symptoms: Should I Be Worried?
I am an 18-year-old male and I've been facing some unusual neurological symptoms lately. Is this a cause for concern? There are moments when I perform a sequence of actions in quick succession, and I feel as though my brain skips a beat, leading to unexpected outcomes. These occurrences primarily manifest when I attempt to execute actions that I have mentally outlined in advance and do so rapidly. For instance, when I engage in conversation, I often have a general idea of what I want to express, yet I don’t articulate every word precisely. While speaking quickly, I experience a peculiar sensation about halfway through my thoughts, as if I momentarily lose consciousness. This feeling leaves me as a spectator in my own body, resulting in a nonsensical noise escaping my mouth instead of my intended statement. It’s remarkably disorienting, yet strangely, it doesn’t disrupt my ongoing thought process. By the time I realize what has happened, I’ve usually continued speaking, leaving little time to react. Oddly enough, those around me do not seem to notice this anomaly. This isn’t merely a stumble or a stutter. I understand the difference; stuttering involves misjudging muscle movements in speech. While I do tend to stutter when speaking rapidly, this experience feels fundamentally different. I’ve also noticed this phenomenon when I type quickly. When attempting to input longer words, I encounter a similar moment of disconnect. Instead of hitting the intended keys, my hands carry out erratic movements than those I had envisioned. It’s essential to clarify that this disconnection doesn’t leave me feeling blank. My vision remains completely clear, and I remain mentally aware throughout the experience. Yet, it feels as if I am merely an observer, not actively processing what unfolds; I am present but not engaged. In my interpretation, it seems as though I’ve mentally prepared for an action, but when the moment comes to execute it too rapidly, my brain becomes overwhelmed. This results in a chaotic mishmash of outputs rather than the clear message I had originally planned. This issue does not appear to hinder any other aspects of my daily life apart from being somewhat inconvenient. The incidents occur roughly once every month or two and are triggered by the described patterns of movement rather than a specific schedule. Could there be a logical explanation for this? Should I be worried about these experiences?
Experiencing Blood Clot in Stool and Chest Discomfort
I hope this post adheres to the guidelines, although I realize emergency situations are typically not accepted. However, I’m unsure if my current situation qualifies as an emergency since I feel generally well. I am a 25-year-old woman diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). My medication regimen includes oral contraceptives, metoprolol (50 mg), trazodone (100 mg), spironolactone (25 mg), Prozac (20 mg), and Jynarque (30/15 mg), in addition to promethazine for nausea as needed. I have regular consultations with a nephrologist for my PKD, which is currently in its early stages, and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is stable. Due to my PKD, I have experienced frequent nausea and vomiting for the past decade. Recently, I have begun to face difficulties with swallowing, alongside a sensation of a lump in my throat and chest discomfort. After discussing these symptoms with my primary care physician, she suspected a potential stricture or ulcer stemming from my extensive vomiting history and recommended an endoscopy. I’m currently waiting for scheduling details for that procedure. Earlier today, the chest and upper abdominal discomfort intensified, and during a bowel movement about an hour ago, I noticed a significant blood clot in my stool—about the size of my thumb. While it was not during my menstrual period, the clot resembled those typically seen at that time. Additionally, there was some mucus-like material, but the stool itself wasn't black, and the blood was localized to that single clot. Does this seem consistent with what my primary care doctor has indicated? Is it reasonable to hold off on the endoscopy for now? I’m not seeking specific medical guidance here; I would absolutely head to the emergency room if my pain escalates to an unbearable level. Currently, it's not severe enough for me to feel justified in using emergency services for what might be a routine aspect of my ongoing health situation. Thank you for any advice, and I apologize again if this inquiry falls outside of the accepted topics!
Navigating Chronic Nausea: Seeking Help
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out to seek advice and your insights regarding some persistent health challenges I've been facing. * I’m a 21-year-old female, standing at 5'8", weighing 160 lbs. * I have been struggling with chronic nausea for the past year and a half. * My only diagnosed medical issue is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). * I am not taking any medications at the moment. * I do not smoke and consume alcohol occasionally, but my intake has significantly decreased since the onset of symptoms. * Symptoms Overview: * Over the last 18 months, I have dealt with chronic nausea accompanied by a diminished appetite. * This began quite unexpectedly in February 2024. Initially, I attributed it to a potential stomach bug, as I was only experiencing nausea and mild stomach discomfort. * However, the nausea persisted daily for about three months. * Since then, my symptoms evolved into a more episodic experience, sometimes feeling fine and at other times enduring intense nausea. My appetite fluctuates, though I manage to eat even when feeling unwell. * Recently, I’ve noticed that my appetite loss has intensified alongside the nausea, and I often experience frequent burping. * Presentation of Symptoms: * Typically, I awaken with nausea, which can last throughout the day. The severity is unpredictable, with episodes stretching from a few days to a week, followed by a lull that may return unexpectedly weeks later. Some months are better, whereas others are riddled with discomfort. * I have conducted extensive research and have undergone numerous lab tests to uncover the underlying cause of these issues. Unfortunately, I feel as if I've hit a wall; some healthcare professionals have been dismissive, providing little hope for further exploration. Thus, I'm reaching out for any additional insights or recommendations from those who may have encountered similar situations. * A crucial piece of my medical history is that I had a suspected COVID-19 infection six months before the onset of nausea. This discovery came to light due to ongoing headaches that prompted blood testing, which revealed my COVID antibodies were significantly elevated, suggesting possible post-COVID symptoms. The headaches eventually subsided after four months, but shortly after that, I began experiencing nausea. Interestingly, I also had a confirmed COVID-19 infection six months after my nausea began (August 2024). I am beginning to wonder if this is a long COVID-related issue, as I’ve read it can disturb the gut-brain connection, microbiome, and vagus nerve. * Lab Results: I have undergone several tests, including: CBC with differential, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, iron and total iron binding capacity, tests for Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis C antibodies, lipid panel, thyroid (TSH with free T4), and hemoglobin A1c—all results returned normal. * The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) was mostly normal, though my glucose was slightly elevated at 100, which may relate to my PCOS and insulin resistance. * I also completed an at-home H. pylori stool test which came back negative, but I might consider following up with a healthcare provider. * From what I’ve researched, I know that numerous factors can lead to nausea. However, given my lab results, I feel many possibilities have been eliminated, and my symptoms don't align with a number of other conditions. I don’t experience neurological or vestibular symptoms, nor do I have other endocrine or metabolic disorders (my CMP was normal), and I don’t have psychological issues or take any medications. I’m not pregnant, nor do I exhibit typical signs of dysautonomia, and I am free from pain, bloating, or feelings of fullness. * Consequently, I suspect a post-viral condition related to COVID-19 may be manifesting through gastrointestinal issues, possibly exacerbated by hormonal and blood sugar fluctuations due to PCOS. Prior to this, I had no digestive complaints and maintained a healthy appetite and lifestyle. * Other potential considerations include: * Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) * Mild gastroparesis (although I have no early fullness or bloating) * Gallbladder or pancreas dysfunction * Latent food intolerance (perhaps gluten?) * Potential Addison's disease * Hyperparathyroidism (notably, my calcium levels were at 10, which is at the high-normal range) * I apologize for the lengthy message, but I am sincerely grateful for any thoughts, advice, or experiences shared by medical professionals or others who may recognize similar symptoms. Experiencing significant health concerns at such a young age without clear guidance from my healthcare providers has been incredibly frustrating. This situation has severely impacted my quality of life, and I am longing to return to better health. * Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this and offers support; your kindness and willingness to share your insights are immensely appreciated!
Recurring Non-Cancerous Tumors on My Mother's Wrist After Fracture
Approximately four years ago, my mother, aged 61, fractured her right wrist and required the installation of a metal plate for stabilization. Although she experienced some discomfort, her wrist mainly healed well. However, about a year and a half ago, a lump began to form directly atop the same wrist. Initially, her physician suspected it was a ganglion cyst, despite it being hard and painful. Upon its removal, the doctor identified it as a tumor, which was biopsied and fortunately confirmed as non-cancerous. Recently, about a month back, another bump has emerged in the same area, this time exhibiting a dark purple color and occasionally leaking fluid. Her doctor assessed the growth and believed it was small enough to excise during a routine office visit. To his surprise, during the procedure, he discovered that the tumor extended much deeper than anticipated. He ended up having to make an incision down to the bone to fully excise it. This, too, was sent for biopsy analysis. The doctors are puzzled as to why these tumors continue to develop. This situation is particularly challenging since it affects her dominant hand and causes significant discomfort, leading her to wish for a resolution to prevent future occurrences. Currently, she is not taking any medication aside from pain relief post-surgery. Standing at around 5’2” and weighing between 160 and 175 pounds, she maintains an active lifestyle that includes daily exercise, stretching each night, and walking the dog, along with a nutritious diet. The only other medical issues she's faced have been with varicose veins and bunions, both of which have been surgically addressed.
Post-Surgery IV Site Concerns: Is This Normal?
Age: 34, Gender: Female, Height: 5'3", Weight: 190lbs, Location: USA. I underwent a minor surgical procedure on the 12th of this month, during which an IV was placed in my hand. Three days post-operation, I noticed a faint red streak extending from the IV insertion point down to the inner area of my elbow. Although it wasn't vibrant red, my husband and I opted not to seek medical advice immediately that evening. The following day, there was notable improvement; the redness faded significantly, and by the time evening arrived, the line was nearly invisible. Now, two weeks later, I'm experiencing some concerning symptoms. The vein on the back of my hand has become raised and quite rigid, with soreness that feels akin to bruising extending down to my wrist. Applying lotion there is extremely painful, and even simple hand-washing has turned into a challenge. Should I be worried about this? Is such discomfort typical at this stage of recovery? Are there effective methods to facilitate quicker healing? It's surprising how often the back of my hand makes contact with objects during daily activities, especially now that it's so tender.