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My 68 Year Old Brother Has A Hard Lump Deep

Posted on Fri, 25 Jan 2019

Question: My 68 year old brother has a hard lump deep under the skin about the size of a walnut on his back, about waist high, about 3” to the left of his spine. He happened to have a pelvic scan today for a possible hernia. He didn’t mention the back lump to the hernia surgeon, thinking he needed an orthopedic for it. I think it’s too far from the spine to be a bone issue. Anyway, the scan technician said it would show the area of the lump when he showed her. What are your thoughts on what this lump might be? No photo since way under the skin. It’s been there about two months. It hurts when he lies on that side. Sometimes it throbs. He had very early prostate cancer, Actually just suspicious cells back in 2014 but as a precaution he had bracytherapy. He’s been under the care of a good urologist and had a full urinary track scope to the kidneys back in December. The doctor never got back with him so we assumed everything was OK because it’s been over a month. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

There are a number of things this lump can be, including a lipoma (a benign tumor of consolidated fat tissue) and an epidermoid cyst. But any lump should be checked out. I recommend that he go in to see his primary care doctor (internist or family medicine physician) as in person, with palpation of the area, we can often sort out more benign type growths like lipomas by how they feel, the shape, and where they are relative to the skin.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr. Durnbaugh!

I will make sure he gets it checked out this month.

The doctor already got the scan results from his pelvic scan this morning...and wants to see him at 3 tomorrow. I’m a little concerned that he wants him to come in....do you think that could just be routine?

Would you like me to follow up with you tomorrow?

Thank you so much

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
It is probably routine that the doctor is having him come back in to discuss the scan. It is easier to discuss the findings and plan this way, regardless of whether it shows anything. So I wouldn't make anything out of the fact that the doctor wants him to come in to discuss.

You are welcome to follow up with me tomorrow if you would like.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (22 hours later)

Hi Dr. Durnbaugh,

Everything was exactly how you said! They did find a small hernia on the right side that he knew he had but other than that everything looked pretty good! He did have the doctor look at the lump on his back today and he thinks it’s just muscles knotted up.Thank you again for easing my mind and giving me such great information! Attached is a copy of his scan results. He’s already got surgery scheduled January 16 to repair the small hernia. Thank you again and have a great evening!

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Glad for the good news!

Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry I am only just now seeing your reply.

I'm glad his visit to the doctor today was a relief!

Yes, the CT with contrast report reads normal except for the small hernia.

Please feel free to write me in the future as needed. Sometimes patients are able to request a doctor specifically by writing, at the beginning of their question "For Dr. Berger-Durnbaugh" or whomever you have corresponded with in the past.

Wishing you a good night also!

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

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you - goodnight!

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome!

Good night!

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

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply and that is great to know that I can ask for you by name! I might write to you after my brother’s surgery next week if we have questions. For now I will close the discussion and give you a great rating! Thank you and you have a great evening!