Persistent Lump on Arm for Over Two Decades
Greetings, I’m seeking guidance regarding a lump on my arm that has been present for more than twenty years. The size is comparable to a dime, and it has a noticeable bulge rather than being flat. The overall texture is quite solid, though there is a white section within that feels extremely hard, similar to a tooth. At times, it forms a scab, which occasionally falls off. However, it does not cause me any pain or discomfort. This lump is situated on the outer part of my left bicep. Thank you for any insights you can provide.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 8:10:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a long-standing lump on your arm. Given that this lump has been present for over twenty years, it’s important to assess its characteristics carefully.
Key Points:
- The lump's longevity and characteristics (size, texture, and occasional scabbing) are notable.
- While it currently does not cause pain or discomfort, changes in appearance or symptoms can be concerning.
Explanation:
Lumps like the one you describe can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Lipomas: Soft tissue tumors that are generally harmless and can feel rubbery.
- Dermatofibromas: Benign growths that are firm and can feel hard; they are usually skin-colored or brown.
- Cysts: These can develop in various tissues and may become scabbed if there’s irritation.
The hardness you mentioned, especially that feels like tooth enamel, may suggest a more specific type of growth. Since it has been around for a long time without significant changes or discomfort, it’s likely benign. However, any lump that is abnormal should ideally be evaluated to rule out anything more serious.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Lump: Keep an eye on the lump for any changes in size, shape, color, or if it starts to cause discomfort.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Avoid excessive irritation to the area to prevent scabbing or inflammation.
- Consider Documentation: Take a photo of the lump now and note any changes weekly. This can help if you decide to seek further evaluation.
- Seek Professional Evaluation: Although it doesn’t seem to be causing any issues now, if you have further concerns or if the lump changes, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough examination and possibly imaging or biopsy if indicated.
Your concerns are valid, and taking these steps will help ensure that you remain aware of any potential changes. If you have more questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Persistent Back Pain, Numbness in Left Leg, and Bladder Control Issues Following Lumbar Surgery
**Patient Information:** 25-Year-Old Female, 5'6", Weighing 145 lbs, Hispanic, Residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** Gabapentin, muscle relaxants as needed, prescribed pain relief medications. **Lifestyle Choices:** Non-smoker, infrequent alcohol consumption, no use of recreational drugs. **Medical Background:** Two years ago, I was involved in a car accident that led to chronic pain in my lower back. Despite attempting conservative treatments like epidural steroid injections, my condition did not improve. Consequently, I underwent a lumbar spine surgery in May 2024. **Presenting Issues:** Following my surgery in May, I have been suffering from numbness in my left leg and occasional bladder incontinence. These symptoms have persisted for several months, often varying in intensity. **More About My Condition:** After the aforementioned car accident, I endured ongoing lower back discomfort. When conservative methods failed, I was advised by my spine specialist to pursue surgery, which I underwent in May this year. Unfortunately, I began experiencing new complications post-surgery, such as the left leg numbness and bladder control issues, which I had not encountered before. This year, I have made several trips to the hospital due to escalated back pain and bladder problems. While there have been moments when my symptoms seemed to ease, they invariably returned with increased severity. I have been attending regular physical therapy sessions and ongoing pain management but have not experienced any meaningful improvement. Various healthcare professionals have evaluated my situation and reviewed diagnostic imaging, yet no definitive explanations have been provided. The consistent feedback has been to continue with physical therapy and pain management strategies. I find myself feeling trapped in this cycle, and my overall quality of life has diminished considerably. I am seeking guidance regarding the potential origins of these symptoms that arose post-surgery. I would appreciate advice on whether further testing might be beneficial or what type of specialist I should consider consulting next. Thank you for your attention to my situation.
Is a Spleen Size Change from 10.5 cm to 13.4 cm in Six Months Normal?
M, height 5'11" I recently had an abdominal ultrasound, which indicated that my spleen measured 10.5 cm, and everything seemed fine. Fast forward six months, I underwent an MRI for an unrelated health concern. The MRI revealed that my spleen had increased to 13.4 cm. It was described as 'borderline enlarged,' with a note suggesting that this size could be typical based on my body type. While I’m not overly worried about it being classified as borderline enlarged, I do find it concerning that it expanded so significantly in just half a year. Is this kind of change within the realm of normal, or might there be benign conditions that can cause such variations in spleen size? Furthermore, could the difference in measurement be attributed to the varying imaging techniques, as one may be more precise than the other?
Struggling to Identify the Root Cause of These Nervous System Symptoms
Since December 2024, my wife, aged 37, has been experiencing sporadic issues, including: * Tingling sensations in both her arms and legs, with a noticeable emphasis on the left side, impacting her hands and feet as well. * Blurred vision affecting predominantly her left eye. * Mid-back pain. * Episodes of shakiness, particularly occurring in the evening. Initially, she suspected these could be early indicators of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, after consulting with three different neurologists, all ruled out the possibility of MS. Additionally, she has undergone various tests including: * Electromyography (EMG) * Nerve Conduction Studies * Brain MRI scans * Cervical Spine MRI scans * Thoracic Spine MRI scans * Visual Evoked Potential tests * Skin Biopsy to assess for small fiber neuropathy. All results have consistently returned normal, indicating no underlying problems. One neurologist suggested that anxiety might be contributing to her symptoms and prescribed Buspirone, but after nearly six months, there has been no noticeable improvement. This development isn't particularly surprising, as my wife has not shown any previous signs of anxiety. The only remaining test scheduled is a Somatosensory Evoked Potential test, but given our experiences thus far, I am not very hopeful that it will yield any new information. It feels as though we are just reaching for answers with no clear direction. I am reaching out to see if anyone has insights into what these symptoms might indicate, or if there are alternative options we should consider. It’s painful to witness her struggle, especially since these issues arose unexpectedly. She maintains excellent health overall—no known health complications in her family, and her blood tests have returned positive results. I appreciate any guidance or suggestions you might have. Thank you!
Management of a Popped Blackhead on the Lip
Age: 15, Weight: 58 kg, Height: 173 cm I recently dealt with a large blackhead situated on my upper lip. To extract it, I used a needle to create a small indentation, intending to push it out. Unfortunately, now there's a noticeable hole left behind! When I stretch my lip, the hole becomes quite apparent. Will this issue resolve on its own?
Experiencing Intense Heart Palpitations
Since I was around 13 years old, I've dealt with heart palpitations, and they've never caused me much concern as I understand they are fairly typical and generally benign. However, over the past year, the nature of these episodes has changed dramatically, making them feel significantly more distressing. In the past, I would occasionally experience a light flutter in my chest, but now the palpitations are so intense that they jolt me awake at night. It's as if my heart is erratically racing—there's a wild fluttering sensation that occurs. My heart seems to race uncontrollably for a few seconds, then it slows down before speeding up again, and this cycle continues for about a minute. I have a history of anxiety, so I’m hoping this could be linked to that, but I’m uncertain if I should reach out to my doctor regarding these symptoms. I’m in my mid-20s, female, and I also struggle with anxiety and depression. Currently, I’m not on any medication.