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Diseases that cause lumps in the body are usually benign and most have effective treatment. Discover the 8 most frequent.
The appearance of lumps under the skin often causes great concern in people. However, most of these lesions are not malignant and disappear when treatment is instituted. Are you interested in knowing 8 diseases that cause lumps in the body? Next we will tell you.
Lumps are palpable and visible skin lesions associated with various pathologies. They are an alarm sign that warns that something is wrong. They are generally inflammatory in nature and are accompanied by pain and redness of the skin.
Some diseases cause lumps in the body by promoting the accumulation of secretions. Similarly, these can indicate the presence of a hernia, as well as the proliferation of tumor cells.
Diseases that cause lumps in the body
Lumps on the body can be benign or malignant in nature. Fortunately, most of these injuries are not cause for concern and do not cause long-term risks. Often, the texture, consistency, regularity, and the presence of inflammatory signs make it easy to identify the type of lump.
1. Some infections
Bacterial and viral infections are the main diseases that cause lumps in the body. This is the result of swelling of the lymph nodes in response to the infectious focus. They can be felt enlarged in the jaw, neck, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groin region.
Adenomegaly is the medical term for enlarged lymph nodes. Studies state that 80% of lymph nodes in patients under 30 years of age are benign and are due to infectious processes.
Some processes that cause lumps in the body due to adenomegaly are the following:
- Flu or the common cold.
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Pharyngitis.
- Tonsillitis.
- Mononucleosis.
- Cytomegalovirus.
- Syphilis.
Similarly, rubella, measles, chickenpox, and mumps are viral infections responsible for enlarged lymph nodes in children. In addition, Lyme disease can also manifest itself with these types of lumps under the skin.
2. Nodular processes
Nodules are small solid bumps that usually measure more than 1 centimeter. These can appear anywhere on the body, including the skin.
These lesions can be single or multiple and be focal or disseminated. Erythema nodosum is one of the most common diseases that causes these lumps on the body. The nodules are usually painful and are located on the extension surfaces of the lower limbs.
Similarly, rheumatoid arthritis and various types of panniculitis are also associated with these injuries. Medical treatment depends on the growth characteristics of the nodule. and its anatomical location.
3. Cysts
Cysts are small sacs filled with fluid, air, or other secretions. They are usually soft and form in almost any area of the human body. Sebaceous cysts are generated by the accumulation of sebum and fat, being frequent in the head, face, back and legs.
Similarly, there are other forms of cystic lumps that vary according to their content. In this sense, we can find the following:
- Epidermoid cyst.
- Ganglion cyst
- Pilonidal cyst.
- Cystic acne
4. Lipomas
A lipoma is a benign lump made up of fatty tissue. Some studies suggest that they occupy the first place among soft tissue tumors, with 16 to 50% of cases, according to the series analyzed. They are slow growing and can move sideways when pressed.
At present, there is no specific cause for this condition. However, there is a high incidence associated with family history. They are most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
5. Goiter
Goiter is the abnormal growth of the thyroid gland, located in the anterior part of the thyroid cartilage. This disease is characterized by a lump of variable size in front of the neck, with small nodules, sometimes palpable.
A goiter usually indicates a malfunction of the thyroid. However, the gland may function normally, even with the condition. The most common cause of this entity is nutritional deficiency of iodine.
Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer can also be responsible for an enlarged thyroid. Affected people usually have the following symptoms:
- Throat tightness.
- Cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Feeling of suffocation
6. Folliculitis and boils
Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles. For their part, boils are the result of painful inflammation of a group of follicles and the underlying skin.
These conditions are generally the result of infection by bacteria or fungi, with staph being the usual causative agent. In most cases, this type of injury appears on the face, armpits, neck, buttocks, and thighs.
Folliculitis usually disappears spontaneously after a couple of days with good hygiene. In some cases the use of topical antibiotics is necessary. On the other hand, some boils require drainage and the prescription of oral antibiotics.
7. Hernias
A hernia is the protrusion of a peritoneal-covered viscus through a weakened natural orifice. These can be felt as a lump on the skin in various parts of the body. They usually form at the level of the navel, groin, thighs, and upper abdomen.
Excessive physical exertion, constipation, obesity, and a chronic cough are common causes. Hernias are often accompanied by severe pain or discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. The surgical approach allows a permanent solution to this condition.
8. Malignant lumps
Cancer tumors usually present as a hard, irregular, and painless lump. In the same way, they are usually firmly attached to the underlying tissue and are accompanied by changes in the color and texture of the skin.
These types of lumps are rare and can be felt on the breasts, testicles, and neck. When suspecting a tumor lesion, it is vital to consult a professional as soon as possible.
When to seek medical attention?
Diseases that cause lumps in the body are almost always benign and can be treated effectively. However, they should not be underestimated.
On the other hand, the increase in the size of the lump, the increase in the intensity of the pain and the addition of new symptoms are signs that indicate the need for immediate attention. Health professionals are the only ones trained to provide adequate treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
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