Suggest Treatment For Lump On Elbow

Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015

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

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am a 35 year old female with no prior health issues. Over the weekend, I noticed a fairly large lump right above my elbow, on the outside of my arm. The first day it was painful, now it's just there. It's about an inch long and 1/4 inch in height - it's tender. I'm going to my GP Monday but am still very nervous. I've also had for a few months, a slight pain when applying pressure to my chest (right below the left breast). It only hurts when I apply pressure, otherwise, it's not noticeable. I'm very worried it's cancer, and has spread! I had a full CBC back in September.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be most likely fibroma or lipoma.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query. The area you mentioned is usual site for lipoma and fibromas. If smooth and movable then it can be lipoma. Hard and movable then it can be fibroma. These are benign ( non cancerous tumors). These can be left with out any treatment as they are harmless or can be removed for cosmetic reasons , pain or discomfort. Pain and discomfort usually come in this after injuring this.

It is better to have an examination by a general surgeon to confirm it.

About the pain in chest: If it is in rib area then most likely costochondritis. In that case using NSAID gels like ketoprofen for local application helps. If there is no lump there then nothing to worry.

In case of cancer which spread to other places there will be general body signs like weight loss, malaise etc. There will be very high ESR in blood routine examination.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar