LIPOMA
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What is lipoma and what causes it?
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fat cells that forms a lump under the skin. The exact cause of lipomas is not known, but they can occur due to a combination of genetic factors and an overgrowth of fat cells. Lipomas are more common in middle-aged individuals and tend to run in families.
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What are the symptoms of lipoma?
Symptoms of lipomas include:
Soft, doughy lumps under the skin that are usually painless. The lumps are typically movable and can be felt easily. They can vary in size, ranging from small pea-sized lumps to larger ones.
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How can lipoma be treated?
In most cases, lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or affect a person's appearance.
However, if treatment is desired, options include:
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Surgical removal: Lipomas can be surgically excised if they are bothersome or cause pain.
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Liposuction: In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove the lipoma.
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Steroid injections: Injecting steroids into the lipoma may help reduce its size.
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Monitoring: If the lipoma is small and not causing any problems, it can be left alone and monitored periodically.
It's important to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment options for a lipoma.
SEBACEOUS CYST​
What is sebaceous cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous growth that develops beneath the skin. It forms when a sebaceous gland (oil-producing gland) becomes blocked, leading to the accumulation of oil and dead skin cells. The trapped material creates a cyst, which is a closed sac filled with a thick, yellowish substance called sebum.
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What causes sebaceous cyst?
The exact cause of sebaceous cysts is not always clear, but they can occur due to several factors, including:
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Blockage of the sebaceous gland ducts.
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Trauma to the skin.
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Hormonal changes.
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Excessive production of sebum.
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What are the symptoms of sebaceous cyst?
Symptoms of sebaceous cysts may include:
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A small, round bump under the skin.
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The bump is usually painless but may become tender if it gets infected.
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The cyst may grow slowly over time.
It may have a central opening called a punctum, from which a cheesy or foul-smelling material can be expressed.
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How can sebaceous cyst be treated?
Treatment options for sebaceous cysts include:
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Observation: If the cyst is small, painless, and not causing any problems, it may be left alone and monitored periodically.
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Incision and drainage: A healthcare professional may make a small incision in the cyst and drain out the contents. However, this does not remove the cyst wall, so the cyst may recur.
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Surgical removal: Complete excision of the cyst and its capsule is often the most effective treatment to prevent recurrence.
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Antibiotics: If the cyst becomes infected, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
It is important to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of a sebaceous cyst. They can provide personalised recommendations based on the specific characteristics of the cyst.
LUMPS & BUMPS​
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What are lumps and bumps?
"Lumps and bumps" is a general term used to describe various types of abnormal growths or swellings that can occur in different areas of the body. These growths can have various causes and characteristics.
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What causes lumps and bumps?
The causes of lumps and bumps can vary widely and depend on the specific type of growth. Some common causes include:
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Cysts: These can develop from blocked ducts or glandular structures.
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Lipomas: These are benign tumors consisting of fat cells.
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Fibroadenomas: These are benign breast tumors composed of glandular and fibrous tissue.
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Abscesses: These are collections of pus caused by infections.
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Hematomas: These are blood collections that occur due to trauma or injury.
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What are the symptoms of lumps and bumps?
The symptoms of lumps and bumps can also vary depending on their underlying cause. Common symptoms may include:
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A palpable lump or swelling under the skin.
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Pain or tenderness in the affected area.
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Changes in the size or shape of the lump over time.
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Redness, warmth, or inflammation in the surrounding area (in the case of infection).
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How can lumps and bumps be treated?
Treatment for lumps and bumps depends on the specific cause and characteristics of the growth. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if the lump is benign and not causing any problems.
However, if treatment is required, options may include:
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Observation: Monitoring the lump to see if it changes in size or causes any symptoms.
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Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection associated with the lump.
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Drainage: If the lump is an abscess, it may need to be drained to remove the pus.
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Surgical removal: In some cases, surgical excision is needed to remove the lump completely.
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Other procedures: Depending on the specific situation, other procedures such as aspiration (fluid removal) or biopsy (tissue sampling) may be performed.
It's important to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for any lumps and bumps. They can evaluate the specific characteristics of the growth and provide personalised recommendations.
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