A Growing Bump: Seeking Answers for a Persistent Arm Mass
For the past 3 to 4 years, I’ve noticed a troubling development on my upper arm. I’m currently 18, and my mom first observed that the area was swelling noticeably, while the rest of my body remains the same. Since then, the growth hasn’t slowed down. Around two years ago, my mom took me to a coolsculpting clinic; she was curious about the mass on my arm. The staff, including both the receptionist and a doctor, were taken aback by how quickly it had expanded. They even reached out to other medical professionals in hopes of finding answers for me, but nobody was able to provide an explanation. At that time, the mass was only half its current size. Over the last three years, I’ve maintained a weight between 170 and 190 pounds after starting birth control, with my body fat distributed evenly—except for my arms. Standing at 5’5”, I was once considered for a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but that was possibly misdiagnosed. This growth on my arm has continuously caused issues like dark discoloration and recurrent rashes or infections. The only effective method I’ve found to manage the dark spots is using a harsh skin scrubber, which requires scrubbing vigorously for five minutes, sometimes followed by waxing to remove layers of thickened skin. Could this mass be breast fat? My mom speculates it might be, especially since I do have a larger bust, but it seems illogical since my breast size hasn’t changed over the past two years, nor has my weight. The growth on my arm remains soft and jiggly, surrounded by loose skin, forming a noticeable bump that even created a crease on my arm. I’ve consulted a doctor who suggested that it might be lymphoma, but they were also uncertain. I’ve committed to a consistent workout routine, including dumbbell exercises and upper body workouts almost daily for five months, yet I haven’t seen any reduction in size. Regardless of swimming and playing rhythm games—activities that engage my arms—the only observable difference is that my dominant side is marginally smaller. I realize now that targeted fat loss isn’t feasible through exercise alone, leaving me feeling rather helpless. I can’t help but wonder if it’s tied to puberty and hormonal changes, as I’ve been genetically unfortunate, resulting in localized fat accumulation. However, it baffles me that this growth appeared randomly during my teenage years and has continued expanding, especially since I haven’t gained weight in over a year. I’m unaware of the costs associated with plastic surgery in Canada, and given that I’m a young adult currently unemployed, that’s not a viable option for me. Are there any alternatives to address this issue without undergoing surgery, or will I have to live with this insecurity until I can save for a procedure? (Additional details: I’ve never smoked or used tobacco products, and the only medication I take is the prescribed birth control called "Alesse." Now weighing approximately 195 pounds, my diet primarily consists of fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, and cherries, along with avocado, eggs, and honey on toast. I generally eat healthily, depending on my parents' cooking, having 1 or 2 meals and a snack daily. I enjoy drinking tea and exercise 2-3 times a week for about 10-20 minutes. Since turning 18, I consume alcohol infrequently, approximately 3-4 times a month, and my recent blood tests showed perfect health results otherwise.) I’m in need of guidance and support on this! (｡•́︿•̀｡)
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 10:40:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points
You’ve been experiencing a persistent growth on your upper arm for several years that has caused you physical and emotional discomfort. There are concerns about the nature of this mass, and you’re seeking non-surgical options for management.
Explanation
The mass on your arm could be several things, including a benign growth like a lipoma (a lump of fatty tissue) or other conditions. Given that it’s been present for several years and is changing, it's important to have a clear understanding of what it is. Hormonal changes during puberty can sometimes lead to abnormal fat deposits, but it's unusual for a mass to develop and grow so noticeably over time. Additionally, dark discoloration and rashes could indicate irritation or another skin condition.
The consultation about lymphoma raises some concerns, and while it might seem daunting, lymphoma tends to present with a combination of symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes elsewhere, weight loss, or fever. Your doctor should be able to clarify this through appropriate tests, including imaging studies or a biopsy if needed.
Next Steps
-
Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with a healthcare professional specialized in dermatology or a general practitioner. It's crucial to pursue a definitive diagnosis through imaging (like an ultrasound) or biopsies if warranted.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in the mass, including pain, changes in size, or additional skin changes. Documenting these can aid your doctor in evaluating the situation.
-
Manage Skin Discomfort:
- Instead of harsh scrubbing, try to keep the area clean and moisturized. Use gentle cleansers and consider consulting a dermatologist for creams that might help with the dark discoloration and skin irritation.
-
Explore Non-Surgical Options:
- Inquire with your healthcare provider about non-surgical management strategies, such as corticosteroid injections, which can sometimes reduce the size of benign growths depending on the type, or physical therapy options to help improve your arm's overall appearance.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- While exercise may not directly target the mass, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve your overall body composition. Continue your workouts, prioritize a balanced diet, and aim for consistent hydration.
-
Support System:
- Since this situation has caused you emotional distress, consider talking to someone about these feelings. This could be friends, family, or even a counselor, as emotional support can make a significant difference.
Your concern is completely understandable, and seeking answers is a positive step. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are potential avenues to explore that could help manage your situation better. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!