Causes of a lump in the back and how to overcome it

A bump on the back is a condition that can be experienced by anyone. Although it's fairly common and it's usually not caused by a dangerous medical condition, you must stay alert. Especially if the appearance of a bump on the back accompanied by other complaints that interfere. Lumps on the back can vary in size, texture and shape. Usually this lump is not dangerous if the size is not large, or not accompanied by other complaints. There are many things that cause the appearance of a bump on the back, ranging from infections, allergic reactions, skin disorders, to more serious illnesses, such as cancer.

Causes of Lumps in the Back

Lumps on the back are not always dangerous. However, if the lump changes in appearance, rapidly enlarges, and causes pain, then you are advised to immediately see a doctor. Some conditions that can cause a bump on the back include:

• Lipoma

Lipomas are lumps under the skin, which contain fatty tissue. In addition to the back, lipomas can also grow in other parts of the body, such as the neck and shoulders. Lipomas develop very slowly and are not dangerous. The characteristic of this lump is that it feels soft to the touch, colorless, and generally painless. Lipoma lumps can be removed if they interfere with appearance or cause pain around the body. How to get rid of it is by surgical removal of the lipoma. Besides surgery, liposuction (liposuction) procedures can also be performed to remove this fatty tissue tumor.

• Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis looks like a wart or dark spot on the skin. These lumps are round and feel rough on the skin. The back, shoulders and chest are the areas where siboroic kerotosis usually appears. Seborrheic keratosis lumps are benign, but sometimes can resemble skin cancer. Therefore, a biopsy is needed to confirm that the lump is not cancerous. Generally, these lumps are painless and do not require special treatment. Bump removal is only done if irritation occurs or disturbs the appearance.

• Dermatofibroma

It is a lump in the skin that usually appears on the legs, arms and upper back. Its size tends to be small, ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm. Dermatofibroma can be reddish, pink, or brownish. These lumps are painless and usually do not interfere. Doctors can remove it with a small operation or using a laser. However, as long as the size is small and does not interfere, usually no special care is needed.

• Keratosis Pilaris

Lumps on the back of this type appear brown or red (similar to prickly heat) and feel rough when touched. In addition to the back, keratosis pilaris can also occur on the cheeks and buttocks. Sometimes a lump of keratosis pilaris can be inflamed, especially in pregnant women or people with dry skin. However, keratosis pilaris usually does not cause complaints and does not require medical treatment, except if the lump is felt to interfere with appearance. To get rid of it, you can take a shower with warm water or use a cream that contains urea or lactic acid.

• Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cysts are benign lumps that develop under the skin. These cysts usually arise due to the buildup of keratin, which is a natural protein found in skin cells. Besides appearing as a bump on the back, epidermoid cysts can also appear in the chest, around the genitals, or other body areas. The hallmark of this epidermoid cyst is that it is dark in color, looks round, and contains white fluid like pus. When infected, epidermoid cysts will redden, ooze pus, and feel painful to the touch. The doctor will give antibiotics if the cyst has been infected. This type of cyst should be removed entirely through surgery. If not, the epidermoid cyst can be re-formed.

No need to panic if you find a bump on your back, because most are harmless. However, consult a doctor immediately if a lump in the back feels painful, interferes with appearance, or quickly enlarges and multiplies.