I Have A Tiny Circular Growth That Is Either On

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have a tiny circular growth that is either on the skin of my neck or just below the skin. (It is hard to tell.) I would estimate that it is about 1/4 of a centimeter in diameter. I just noticed it two days ago. It can be felt (it's palpable) and it is slightly visible though hard to see. It is the same color as my skin (there's no discoloration). I will try to upload a picture. I'm wondering if this is a small swollen lymph node or a growth on the skin or something else. I'm mainly worried that it could be a malignant lymph node. I know that benign lymph nodes are usually long rather than round like this (though I don't know for sure if it is a lymph node). Please let me know what you think this is.

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (2 minutes later)

I uploaded a picture (and circled the area in question) but I'm not sure if I uploaded it correctly. Can you see it?

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 minute later)

I'm not sure if you'll be able to see what I'm referring to but if you look very hard, you'll see a slight bump in the middle of the area that I circled.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Biopsy will confirm the diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
The picture is not uploaded.You should attach it in REPORTS column
As per your description,it looks like a Lymph node.Lymph node of 2 days duration cannot be malignant.
The swelling has to be removed completely and send for histopathological examination (Biopsy).Exact diagnosis will be known.
Bacterial infection is the commonest cause of cervical lympadenopathy.Complete blood picture will give a clue of infection.
Nothing to worry.
Please consult a Surgeon and proceed further.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish you good health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (4 hours later)

Did it upload this time?

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (25 minutes later)

I think it's still not uploading. I clicked on the "report a problem" link and described the issue. Hopefully I'll get assistance soon. I do have one more question though.
It mostly feels like it's on the skin but it's hard to tell. I have a dermatologist that I already regularly see. Do you think she could tell if it's a skin issue vs. a lymph node issue?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dermatologist will tell about the plane of the swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Dermatologist will clarify whether the swelling is arising from the skin or it is a Lymph node.
Sebaceous cyst is another possibility which arises from the skin.
The picture is not uploaded.
As per your description,it looks like a benign swelling.
Nothing to worry
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj