Sebaceous Cyst, Lipoma, Lymphnode

These are common benign conditions managed by general surgeons. While they may appear similar as lumps under the skin, they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments.

1. Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous lump beneath the skin, formed by blocked sebaceous glands. It contains a cheese-like material called keratin.

Symptoms:

• A small, round, and movable lump beneath the skin.
• May grow slowly over time.
• Can become red, tender, or swollen if infected.
• Sometimes emits a foul-smelling, yellowish discharge.

Causes:

• Blockage of sebaceous glands by trauma, injury, or acne.
• Excess oil production in the skin.
• Genetic conditions like Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome.

2. Lipoma

A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fatty tissue. It is generally harmless and can occur anywhere in the body where fat is present.

Symptoms:

• A soft, doughy lump beneath the skin.
• Typically painless unless pressing on nerves or located in sensitive areas.
• Slow growth over time.
• Size varies from small (pea-sized) to large (several centimeters).

Causes:

• Exact cause is unknown.
• Genetic predisposition (family history of lipomas).
• Associated with conditions like Gardner’s syndrome or adiposis dolorosa (rare).

3. Lymph Nodes

Symptoms of Enlarged Lymph Nodes:

• Tender, painful lumps (in infections).
• Hard, fixed, and non-tender lumps (potentially cancerous).
• May be accompanied by fever, night sweats, or weight loss in systemic conditions.

Causes:

• Infections: Bacterial (e.g., strep throat, skin infections), Viral (e.g., cold, flu, mononucleosis), Tuberculosis or HIV in some cases.
• Non-Infectious: Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), Cancer (lymphoma, leukemia, or metastasis from other sites).

When to See a General Surgeon

• Persistent or growing lumps.
• Pain, redness, or signs of infection.
• Lumps with associated systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, or weight loss.
• Cosmetic or functional concerns.

Dr. Abhijit Budhkar specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions, ensuring effective management with minimal risk of recurrence.