Seeking Insight on an Unexplained Arm Tumor
At 26 years old and working as a farmer, I’ve noticed a troubling issue in my arm. About three weeks ago, I stumbled upon a noticeable lump while showering, situated on the back of my wrist and extending into my forearm. Initially, I consulted my physician, who dismissed my concerns, suggesting that it was merely a figment of my imagination. However, the situation has not improved; in fact, the lump appears to be enlarging. It feels unusually hard, resembling bone, and the pain it inflicts has become unbearable. What began as discomfort localized to my wrist seems to be spreading, and neither resting the area nor applying ice has yielded any relief. The swelling continues unabated. I’m curious to know if this type of condition is common. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 12:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're understandably concerned about the lump on your arm, especially given its growth, hardness, and accompanying pain. While some lumps can be benign (non-cancerous), the combination of persistent symptoms and increasing discomfort warrants careful attention.
Main Points:
- A lump that is hard, enlarging, and painful may require further investigation.
- It is important to monitor symptoms and seek appropriate diagnostic tests.
Explanation: There are several potential causes for a tumor-like growth in your arm, including:
- Ganglion Cysts: Common, fluid-filled sacs that can occur near joints and may grow larger.
- Lipomas: Benign fatty tumors that are typically soft but can sometimes be firm.
- Osteochondromas: Bony growths that can occur in bone or cartilage.
- More serious considerations, such as soft tissue tumors or signs of infection.
Given that you are experiencing significant pain and a noticeable increase in size, it's essential to have this condition re-evaluated. Dismissing persistent and worsening symptoms, particularly when pain is involved, can lead to missed or delayed treatment opportunities.
Next Steps:
- Seek a Second Opinion: Consider consulting another healthcare provider or a specialist (such as an orthopedic doctor or a rheumatologist) who is experienced in diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions.
- Request Imaging Studies: Ask for an ultrasound or MRI to assess the structure of the lump. These imaging techniques can provide valuable insight into its nature (solid vs. cystic) and help guide further management.
- Document Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary, noting any changes in the lump's size, shape, and your level of pain. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.
- Pain Management: In the meantime, continue gentle rest of the affected area. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) may help manage pain, but consult a pharmacist for advice specific to your situation.
Your symptoms matter, and seeking the appropriate care is crucial. It's important to advocate for yourself, especially when it comes to significant health concerns. Please take these steps seriously, and I’m here if you have further questions or need clarification on any aspect.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.