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What Does A Small Pea Sized Hard Lump At The Site Of Fracture Suggest?
Question: I broke my fibula 4 years ago right at the ankle joint. I just randomly noticed a pea sized hard lump on the bone right where the fracture was. Is it extra bone that formed due to the break years ago? Is it a bone spur? Or something more sinister? I have full motion and no pain. I pulled out a copy of my XRay from September 2012 and compared it to the lump. The fracture apears to be in the exact spot that this hard boney pea sized lump is. I'm 6'1" 200lbs. and get a yearly physical. I have very slightly elevated blood pressure and BPH but otherwise healthy.
Brief Answer:
Less likely to be a bone related issue.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A small pea sized hard lump at the site of fracture that you noticed is less likely to be an extra bone growth after 4 years. If the swelling is immobile and is fixed then it can be related to bone like osteoma. If the swelling is movable then a sebaceous cyst or ganglion may be the possibility.
This needs a direct examination to confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray may be needed to rule out a bone spur.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Less likely to be a bone related issue.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A small pea sized hard lump at the site of fracture that you noticed is less likely to be an extra bone growth after 4 years. If the swelling is immobile and is fixed then it can be related to bone like osteoma. If the swelling is movable then a sebaceous cyst or ganglion may be the possibility.
This needs a direct examination to confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray may be needed to rule out a bone spur.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Hi Dr. Preteen,
Thank you for your reply. I have attached a picture of the bump (being pointed to by a pen) right next to the old x-ray. My concern is if its some type of malignant tumor. Do you think that is a valid concern?
I just looked up osteoma's and those don't seem like a big deal.
Also to be 100% honest I'm not sure if it just popped up or if it has been there since the fracture. I did however just notice it 1 week ago. It has not changed in the last week.
Thank you for your reply. I have attached a picture of the bump (being pointed to by a pen) right next to the old x-ray. My concern is if its some type of malignant tumor. Do you think that is a valid concern?
I just looked up osteoma's and those don't seem like a big deal.
Also to be 100% honest I'm not sure if it just popped up or if it has been there since the fracture. I did however just notice it 1 week ago. It has not changed in the last week.
Brief Answer:
Can be a callus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
I have seen the attached image. It is not likely to be any malignancy. The small swelling can be a part of the callus that was left since fracture. An X-ray will help in confirmation.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Can be a callus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
I have seen the attached image. It is not likely to be any malignancy. The small swelling can be a part of the callus that was left since fracture. An X-ray will help in confirmation.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Tayal,
I just realized I misspelled your name before. I apologize...I was typing too quickly.
It is definitely very hard lump and attached to the bone so I don't think a cyst is a possibility. Your answers so far are very comforting. Do you think it necessary to have it checked out by a local doctor? Or do you think it's better me to monitor it over time for pain, additional growth etc.? Of course I'm scared of the worst possible scenario (the C word).
What are things to watch for that would cause you concern? Based on the picture I sent earlier it appears to be in the exact spot of the old fracture. Sorry for the additional questions.
I just realized I misspelled your name before. I apologize...I was typing too quickly.
It is definitely very hard lump and attached to the bone so I don't think a cyst is a possibility. Your answers so far are very comforting. Do you think it necessary to have it checked out by a local doctor? Or do you think it's better me to monitor it over time for pain, additional growth etc.? Of course I'm scared of the worst possible scenario (the C word).
What are things to watch for that would cause you concern? Based on the picture I sent earlier it appears to be in the exact spot of the old fracture. Sorry for the additional questions.
Brief Answer:
Not worrisome.
Detailed Answer:
You can wait and self monitor for any increase in growth or pain at the site. It is most likely a callus. Cancer is not likely but to comfort your mind you can get an X-ray done which will help in confirmation.
Regards.
Not worrisome.
Detailed Answer:
You can wait and self monitor for any increase in growth or pain at the site. It is most likely a callus. Cancer is not likely but to comfort your mind you can get an X-ray done which will help in confirmation.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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