Non-cancerous Lumps: a Guide On What to Do Posted: 09-04-07 07:06am
Hello, I have recently come across this
forum after an avid search of topics. My
name is David, and I am 16 years old. I am
not a Specialist, nor even a Certified
Physician. I would just like to clarify
some things many around my age (maybe even
older/younger) have had.
Lumps around Your Body:
These can be quite a scare. Usually,
these are non-cancerous and/or benign.
But, as always, is the symptoms persist,
consult your physician.
Help! I have a lump behind my ear!
These lumps appear behind your ear.
Don't worry! It might not be as bad as you
think or as bad as you have searched the
internet. I'm guessing you came across a
topic stating it as a symptom of brain
cancer or something alike. These lumps can
either be an enlarged/swollen lymph node,
acne/pimple. or a sebaceous cyst.
1. Swollen lymph node- These are lymph
nodes that appear larger and tender to the
touch around the skin. Don't worry! It can
just be a sign that your body is fighting
off an infection. I have to admit this has
happened to me more than once. These can
appear anywhere the lymph nodes are. So
check with your Biology Book (For some of
you, if you still have it.) or check
wikipedia or google images it for the
lymphatic system. If your lump is around
this area, then it probably is a swollen
lymph node. Oh, what to do? Well, usually,
it will go away within a couple of
days/weeks. Sometimes months. There's
nothing you can do. You can apply rubbing
alcohol on it so it doesn't get infected.
That can be quite nasty at times. What you
SHOULD NOT do is to squeeze it. I gave one
of mine hell, and it multiplied in size.
Your body knows what to do. Don't worry.
Remember, this applied to ANY lymph node.
Not just behind your ear. If the symptoms
persist for more than a week, please visit
your nearest physician/specialist, or
visit a clinic.
2. Acne/Pimple- Well, what'd you know?
If you are like me, you probably have
spawned quite a lot of acne. Acne doesn't
appear just in the face, but also in the
chest, back, sometimes the neck, and in
rare cases, behind the ear! Don't try to
pop it. It can get infected. What you
should do is rinse it with acne soap,
benzoyl peroxide, or just rub alcohol on
it. It should go away within days/weeks,
and should shrink in a couple of days if
it doesnt go away. SHRINKING IS A GOOD
SIGN.
3. Sebaceous Cyst- These are probably
the largest scare I've gotten. A sebaceous
cyst is one that appears below the skin,
usually due to an infected sebaceous
gland. These are usually filled with
sebum, a semi-hard sticky substance.
Please do not squeeze these things. They
just get larger and more of an annoyance.
As always, rub alcohol on it just to clean
up the surrounding area. For me, I got
this due to a fungal infection. Made my
ears reek of cheese. (And no, I did not
mix my shower rag for a block of cheese.)
They should usually go away within
days/weeks. They do not appear on the
hands and feet though. They are also
tender to the touch.
4. Abscess- An abscess is a wall of pus
and blood (usually pus) formed around an
infected area and/or a foreign object
(i.e. A gunshot wound, but I doubt any of
you have crossed a gun?) Usually, the best
thing to do with these is to lance it, and
drain the abscess of all pus. If it is
oddly large, then I suggest you get to a
doctor to drain it. If you keep getting
abscesses, then go to the doctor, and he'd
probably prescribe
Vancomyacin/Clindamyacin for the
infection, and Bactroban for the abscess.
Careful with doing a self-drain, though,
as it might get infected, well, again.
5. Lump around your mouth- This is
Herpes 2. No, not that. Cold Sores. These
can appear for a number of reasons. The
best thing to do is leave them alone, and
maybe apply some of that Herpacin we keep
hearing on TV.
6. Lump on your breast- At a young age,
usually around 12-20, a lump may appear on
your breast. These are movable, and are
caused from an excess testosterone. It is
a hormonal cyst, you can say. Not to
worry. Just let it be, and let your body
figure out what the hell is going on
there. Check your armpits for some
swelling just in case. If there is, or if
the breast lump persists for quite some
time, visit a doctor.
That is all the information I have for
now. I hope I have helped in some
helpful/odd way. Remember, you should
still visit a doctor for things you are
unsure of. This is just information
before/after your visit, just for a
heads-up. I am sorry if this information
has been posted before, but I do not have
the luxury of time, hehe.
Take care, and remember, if the symptoms
persist, visit your doctor.
P.S. Don't touch things you are unsure of.
Squeezing them is like shoveling out
highway cement in the middle of
construction. It's best to leave it to
someone who went to school for it, and
your body, of course.
