Lump on arm
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Understanding Lumps on the Arm: Causes and Diagnoses
Lumps on the arm can arise from various conditions, ranging from benign growths to more serious pathologies. This article synthesizes findings from multiple case studies to provide a comprehensive overview of potential causes and diagnostic considerations for lumps on the arm.
Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME)
Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME), also known as diaphyseal aclasis, is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple bony lesions. A case involving a 15-year-old boy with a painless lump in his right upper arm revealed multiple bony lesions on radiographic examination, leading to a diagnosis of HME1. This condition often presents in childhood and can cause noticeable lumps that may become a cosmetic concern over time.
Calcified Tumors and Haematomas
In some cases, lumps on the arm may be due to calcified haematomas or calcifying fibro-muscular tumors. An 18-year-old patient presented with a painful lump on the left forearm, which had grown significantly over the past year. Radiological examination showed amorphous calcification within the soft tissue, suggesting a benign but complex tumor that required surgical removal2.
Proliferative Myositis
Proliferative myositis is a rare pseudotumorous lesion that can present as a rapidly growing, painless lump. A 54-year-old woman experienced a hard, spindle-shaped lump in her right triceps brachii muscle, which was initially suspected to be a sarcomatous neoplasm. However, radiographic examination did not reveal any bone pathology, indicating a benign muscular lesion3.
Inflammatory and Infectious Causes
Lumps can also result from inflammatory or infectious processes. A 57-year-old woman with primary osteoporosis developed a painful lump on her forearm, accompanied by local redness and mild inflammation. Despite initial concerns about a local infection, further imaging and endocrine assessments ruled out bone involvement and other systemic conditions4.
Dermatological and Subcutaneous Growths
Dermatological conditions can manifest as lumps on the arm. A 28-year-old woman presented with an erythematous, slightly pedunculated nodule on her upper arm, which was tender and mobile. The growth was excised and found to be benign upon histopathological examination5. Similarly, a 50-year-old man had a gradually enlarging purple nodule on his forearm, which was identified as a benign dermal cyst upon further examination6.
Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Chronic non-healing wounds can also present as lumps. A 39-year-old man developed a fungated, eroded plaque on his upper arm, initially misdiagnosed as cellulitis. The lesion, which had been present for four years, required further investigation to determine the underlying cause7.
Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections such as cysticercosis can cause lumps in the arm. A 36-year-old man presented with lumps in his axillae, which were diagnosed as cysticercosis through ultrasonography. Surgical removal of the lumps confirmed the diagnosis8.
Rare Tumors
Rare tumors like pilomatrixoma can also present as lumps on the arm. A 50-year-old man had a painless swelling on his forearm, which appeared malignant on imaging but was later identified as pilomatrixoma after histopathological examination. This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses and using biopsy to avoid overly aggressive treatments9.
Reactive Lymphadenopathy
Lastly, reactive lymphadenopathy can present as lumps in the arm, particularly in individuals with extensive tattoos. A 38-year-old man experienced painful lumps in his armpits, which were found to be reactive lymphadenopathy caused by tattoo pigment migration. This condition can mimic more serious pathologies like cancer but is generally benign10.
Conclusion
Lumps on the arm can result from a wide range of conditions, including genetic disorders, benign tumors, inflammatory processes, infections, and rare neoplasms. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and histopathological analysis. Understanding the diverse etiologies of arm lumps is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A painless lump in the arm
A 15 year old boy presented to his doctor with a painless palpable lump in his right upper arm. He had had it for “many years,” but was now conscious about it. A plain radiograph of the arm showed multiple bony lesions (fig 1⇓). What is the diagnosis? Fig 1 Anteroposterior radiograph of right upper arm Hereditary multiple exostoses (also known as diaphyseal aclasis) (fig 2⇓). Fig 2 Anteroposterior radiograph of right upper arm. Osteochondromas can …
Case Report
Rigorous JournalAn unusual tumour.
A rare calcifying fibro-muscular tumor in the forearm may be a calcified haematoma or a benign fibro-muscular tumor, requiring removal but potentially difficult due to its multilobulated nature.
Case ReportProliferative myositis: rare pseudotumorous lesion.
Proliferative myositis is a rare pseudotumorous lesion in the arm, with a spindle shape and rapid growth, but no radiographic evidence of pathologic change.
Case ReportForearm lump and osteoporosis
A forearm lump in a 57-year-old woman with osteoporosis may be a subcutaneous lesion, but its proximity to a bone disease diagnosis should help differentiate it from a potential bone deformity caused by a metabolic bone condition.
Case ReportSolitary Growth on the Arm
A solitary growth on the upper arm can recur after being excised, with no significant weight loss or significant trauma.
Case ReportA slowly enlarging purple nodule on the arm
A 50-year-old Caucasian gentleman presented with a oneyear history of a gradually enlarging pigmented lump on the right forearm. On examination there was a 1 cm blue-purple nodule, which was hard in consistency (Figure 1). A mobile dermal cystic component was palpated after lateral pressure. Further dermoscopic examination revealed a homogeneous blue-purple pigmentation surrounded by a subtle brown hyperpigmentation and a central white area with fine
Case ReportFungated Eroded Plaque on the Arm.
A chronic nonhealing wound on the upper arm may be caused by a fungal infection, possibly due to exposure to soil or other environmental factors.
Case ReportThe cysticercosis in muscles is one of the causes of lumps in human
Cysticercosis is a common cause of lumps in the axilla region and can be diagnosed ultrasonographically and treated by surgical removal.
Case ReportA Large Mass Displaying a Malignant Character on the Forearm: A Rare Case of Upper Extremity Pilomatrixoma
Pilomatrixoma is a rare but potentially malignant tumor in the upper extremity, and diagnosis can be improved with Tru-cut biopsy before final surgery.
Case ReportBlack lymph nodes—and a colourful skin
Tattoo pigments can cause reactive lymphadenopathy, causing enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits, which can be mistaken for cancer.
Case ReportRigorous Journal