Lump on the back is a condition that can be experienced by anyone. Although it is fairly common and usually not caused by a dangerous medical condition, you should still be vigilant. Especially if the appearance of a lump on the back is accompanied by other annoying complaints.
Bumps on the back can have a variety of sizes, textures, and shapes. Usually these lumps are not dangerous if they are not large, or are not accompanied by other complaints.
There are many things that can cause a lump on the back, ranging from infections, allergic reactions, skin disorders, to more serious diseases, such as cancer.
Causes of Bumps on Back
Lump on the back is not always dangerous. However, if the lump changes in appearance, quickly enlarges, and causes pain, then you are advised to immediately consult a doctor.
Some conditions that can cause lumps on the back include:
1. Lipoma
A lipoma is a lump under the skin, which contains fatty tissue. In addition to the back, lipomas can also grow in other body parts, such as the neck and shoulders.
Lipomas develop very slowly and are harmless. The hallmark of these lumps is that they are soft to the touch, colorless, and generally painless.
Lipoma lumps can be removed if they are unsightly or cause pain around the body. The way to get rid of it is by surgical removal of the lipoma. Apart from surgery, procedures liposuction (liposuction) can also be done to remove these fatty tissue tumors.
2. Keraseborrheic dose
Seborrheic keratoses look like warts or dark spots on the skin. These lumps are round and feel rough on the skin. The back, shoulders, and chest are areas where syborrheic kerotosis is common.
Seborrheic keratosis lumps are benign, but can sometimes resemble skin cancer. Therefore, a biopsy is needed to confirm that this lump is not cancer.
Generally, these lumps are painless and do not require special treatment. Removal of the lump is only done if there is irritation or disturbing appearance.
3. Derythematofibroma
Dermatofibromas are bumps on the skin that usually appear on the legs, arms, and upper back. The size tends to be small, ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm. Dermatofibromas can be reddish, pink, or brown. These lumps are painless and usually not bothersome.
Doctors can remove it with minor surgery or using a laser. However, as long as they are small and unobtrusive, usually no special care is required.
4. Keratosis pilaris
This type of lump on the back looks brown or red (similar to prickly heat) and feels rough to the touch. In addition to the back, keratosis pilaris can also occur on the cheeks and buttocks.
Sometimes, the bumps of keratosis pilaris can become inflamed, especially in pregnant women or people with dry skin. However, usually keratosis pilaris does not cause complaints and does not require medical treatment, unless the lump is felt to be disturbing appearance.
To get rid of it, you can take a warm bath or use a cream that contains urea or lactic acid.
5. Kista epidermoid
Epidermoid cysts are benign lumps that develop under the skin. These cysts usually appear due to the buildup of keratin, a natural protein found in skin cells.
In addition to appearing as a lump on the back, epidermoid cysts can also appear on the chest, around the genitals, or other areas of the body. The hallmark of this epidermoid cyst is dark in color, looks round, and contains a white fluid like pus.
When infected, an epidermoid cyst becomes red, oozes pus, and is painful to the touch. The doctor will give antibiotics if the cyst is infected. This type of cyst should be completely removed by surgery. Otherwise, an epidermoid cyst may re-form.
There’s no need to panic if you find a lump on your back, as most are harmless. However, consult a doctor immediately if the lump on the back is painful, unobtrusive, or quickly enlarges and multiply.
