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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Soft Lump Below Elbow, Might Be Lipoma, Swelling, Growing In Size. X-ray Shows No Bone Abnormality. Causes?

I have had a soft lump just below my elbow for months, which my GP has suggested may be a lipoma . An x ray showed no bone abnormality. Today I have been leaning on it at my desk, and my this evening the whole area is swollen into a hard and tender lump some 3 times the size it was yesterday. Any ideas what this could be ?
Mon, 21 Jan 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
A soft swelling below your elbow,which was present since few months may be a Lipoma,a swelling arising from fat cells.
As it is a soft tissue swelling arising from fat cells beneath the skin,X ray will not show any bony abnormality.
Because of the trauma or pressure that might have occured while leaning,the skin over it got infected and inflammed.But,lipoma getting infected is not reported in literature.
Another possibility is Sebaceous cyst.It is also soft,occur in places where hairs are present.It gets infected more commonly and increases in size because of Pus and inflammation.
So,for correct diagnosis please consult your surgeon and get it treated accordingly.
Wish you good health
Regards
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Soft Lump Below Elbow, Might Be Lipoma, Swelling, Growing In Size. X-ray Shows No Bone Abnormality. Causes?

Hi. A soft swelling below your elbow,which was present since few months may be a Lipoma,a swelling arising from fat cells. As it is a soft tissue swelling arising from fat cells beneath the skin,X ray will not show any bony abnormality. Because of the trauma or pressure that might have occured while leaning,the skin over it got infected and inflammed.But,lipoma getting infected is not reported in literature. Another possibility is Sebaceous cyst.It is also soft,occur in places where hairs are present.It gets infected more commonly and increases in size because of Pus and inflammation. So,for correct diagnosis please consult your surgeon and get it treated accordingly. Wish you good health Regards