What Is Palpable Abnormality?

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

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

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : what exactly is a palpable abnormality? I included xray report I recieved. I have to wait until Nov 26th to see Dr. The reason I got a skull xray bc I noticed a bump on my head/skull near my occipital bone. . over a month ago. Since then.. I have had slight headache & pressure to the area. I do keep touching it in hopes it goes away on its own.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It may be dermoid,lipoma or sebaceous cyst.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

Palpable abnormality means it can be felt with hand.
Since swelling goes away on its own by touching,most likely it is a benign mass and it may be dermoid,lipoma or sebaceous cyst.Further characterization of mass can be done by a surgeon.There are few clinical methods which can characterize the mass.
There is nothing to be worried about.CT Scan can be done if needed.Mass can be removed surgically if it is causing symptoms.It only requires minor surgery.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (2 days later)

hello! I had a ct scan & it came back fine. I am still nervous about the lump on my scalp. I have pressure in my right ear only. feel nausea. no appetite. I am nervous. wondering why I feel this way?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need proper ENT examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

Your X-ray of skull is normal except a small bony outgrowth in occipital region.It may be due to many reasons like calcified hematoma,osteoma etc.
This condition doesn't need any treatment.
Your symptoms in right ear may be due to some other reasons,it need proper evaluation by a ENT specialist.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (13 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX I appreciate your responses back. I never had this before. Worrying myself nuts. Below attached is ct report I picked up today. in hospital they told me ct was fine. from reading it.. I don't know what it means... it does show something. can you explain what ct report to me. also my right arm goes numb for a little while & then feels fine. I still have pressure in my right ear. the bump.. feel pressure in the area. I don't understand why the hospital wouldn't do an MRI on the spot.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI is not needed in your condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

MRI is not needed in your condition.CT scan is best for assessing calcificified lesions.
CT scan findings only indicate mild age related brain parenchymal atrophic changes.These findings are early in your case.

Numbness in right arm may be due to problem in cervical spine.MRI of cervical spine can be done after evaluation.

You also need examination by a ENT specialist for pressure feeling in right ear.It may be due to many reasons.Proper treatment depend upon findings.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (4 hours later)

curious.. what could cause mild age related changes if I am only 36 yrs old? can medication do that?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In adults atrophy may be due to alcohol,neuro-psychiatric disorders etc.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

In younger age group,it may be sequel of infection like meningitis,encephalitis,metabolic disorders etc.

In adults,atrophy may be due to chronic alcoholism,neuro-psychiatric disorders etc.There may be variation in progression of atrophy that develops with age.In your case,though it is bit earlier but I don't think it should be a matter of concern.It is acceptable.

Some antipsychotic drugs can cause atrophy in long term.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (25 minutes later)

I have been on anti depressants & anxiey med on & off since I was 18. I was diagnosed with panic disorder. when symptoms arrupt.. it's hard to figure out if it is anxiety, depression or something else. in this case.. the bump, I know I never had nor the ear pressure & visual problems. the right arm numbness and headaches I have had on and off esp when I am overly stressed.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is important to rule out cervical spine changes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Sorry for replying late.
Since brain CT scan findings only indicate mild atrophic changes, it is important to rule out spondylotic changes in cervical spine. Cervical spine changes can cause numbness in upper arm and headache.
MRI of cervical spine can be done if needed.
Ear pressure is an isolated problem and you need ENT examination.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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