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What Does A Lump On Left Upper Arm Indicate?
Question: I have a lump on my left upper arm, near the point it connects to my shoulder. It is now the size of a large marble and it is not hard, but is spongey and does not hurt. Is this possibly inflammation? It has developed in the past 3 weeks.
Brief Answer:
Most possibly it is a benign cyst.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
No. It is not likely to be an inflammation. In inflammatory swellings, basic signs of inflammation are found like pain, warmth, and redness apart from a swelling. None of these features are cited by you. So it is unlikely to be one.
To me it seems like a benign cyst. However, it has to be examined clinically to know the nature of the swelling, followed possibly by a FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), and a CT scan if indicated for confirming the diagnosis. Further management would depend on the investigation reports.
Please continue the medications for the thyroid problem as before. If you did not have a thyroid function test recently, then you should go for one. Apart from that a serum vitamin D 3 estimation might help for the body ache and stiffness followed by vitamin D supplementation if need be.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Most possibly it is a benign cyst.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
No. It is not likely to be an inflammation. In inflammatory swellings, basic signs of inflammation are found like pain, warmth, and redness apart from a swelling. None of these features are cited by you. So it is unlikely to be one.
To me it seems like a benign cyst. However, it has to be examined clinically to know the nature of the swelling, followed possibly by a FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), and a CT scan if indicated for confirming the diagnosis. Further management would depend on the investigation reports.
Please continue the medications for the thyroid problem as before. If you did not have a thyroid function test recently, then you should go for one. Apart from that a serum vitamin D 3 estimation might help for the body ache and stiffness followed by vitamin D supplementation if need be.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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