Years ago, there would be times when a large lump would form next to my spine (it was the color of a bruise) then would go away in a couple weeks. Today, a large lump is next to my spine. Is this a cyst? If it was cancerous, it wouldn't go away and come back right?
2006-08-13 06:40:17 · 15 answers · asked by alwaysright 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
you should really go to the doctor...its better to be safe then sorry if it is cancer it will be better to catch in now then to wait!
so pick up your phone right now and go see your doctor TODAY...
2006-08-13 06:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by sarahpainter19 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I'm a doctor. It's difficult to tell what it is if one doesn't see the lesion, but from what you tell it seems that you've had it for quite a long time. If it's right over your spine, more to the lower part of your back, then it's probably a pilonidal cyst. It is a benign lesion, pretty common. It is a communication of your spine with the skin and it's usually filled with sebaceous glands and hair and sometimes gets irritated, thus giving it a red or swollen appearance. If it bothers you a lot it can be surgically excised and it will go away, it's an easy procedure.
It's most likely not a cancer as it has been present for a long time. However, make an appointment with your doctor and he can take a look and advise you what to do. Don't need to rush to the doctor today!
Hope it helps!
2006-08-13 07:08:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even a doctor could not answer this question without examining you and conducting tests.
Call you doctor immediately!
Here's some info from Washington University School of Medicine Website:
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What you are describing may be a synovial cyst.
Synovial cysts are a rare phenomenon in which a cyst occurs in proximity to a facet joint in the lumbar spine. The cyst can increase in size and are slightly more common in women. There is an increased incidence of synovial cysts in combination with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. The most common symptom is that due to compression of the cyst of one or more nerves in the lumbar spinal canal. This can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness. If the cyst gets large enough it can cause bowel or bladder dysfunction. The best way to identify a cyst is with either a good quality MRI or with a CT myelogram. The treatment for synovial cysts consists of both medical management of the pain, and if the pain is not being controlled by medical means than surgical intervention is warranted. Surgical intervention can consist of either percutaneously draining the cyst, excising it with a small operation, and rarely in the presence of instability is it necessary to perform a fusion procedure at the same time.
Besides a synovial cyst, the mass may be a spinal tumor.
Apart from spinal epidural metastatic disease, which is cancer that has spread from elsewhere, a few other types of tumors can effect the spinal cord and spinal column. Tumors can occur within the dura or thecal sac, which is the lining around the spinal cord. The most common tumors that can occur in this location include meningiomas, schwannomas, neurofibromas, and ependymomas. Occasionally a drop metastases can occur in this location as well.
Tumors that occur inside the thecal sac and within the spinal cord are less common and would include primary spinal cord tumors, vascular tumors, and even more rarely metastatic tumors to the spinal cord itself. In each of these situations the diagnosis is again made by a History &Physical exam and a radiographic evaluation. An MRI is the most common type of imaging study used in combination with a dye injection. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, surgery will often be indicated to remove the tumor and relieve the compression of the neural structures, including nerve roots and spinal cord. Occasionally the spine will need ot undergo a stabilization or fusion procedure as part of the treatment of the spinal tumors. In certain situations I need to remove as much bone from around the spinal cord to get to the tumor ina safe manner. If I remove too much bone I can make the spine unstable, but utilizing different kinds of instrumentation I can reconstruct the spine. The instrumentation will keep the spine stable until a fusion has successfully occurred.
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Good luck. Get your butt to the doctor!
2006-08-13 06:51:35 · answer #3 · answered by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a cancer survivor, I will tell you that it's unlikely that a cancerous 'lump' will disappear, but it's not out of the question. Something is causing that lump to keep coming back and you should find out what it is.
If they suspect cancer they will likely do a biopsy of the lump (biopsies are fairly painless and done under local or total anesthetic) or they might run a PET scan or gallium CT scan. Both are painless (well, the only 'painful' part is getting an IV put in)
Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from getting medical attention. As I said, "most" cancerous lumps don't just disappear on their own. Cancerous tumors are caused when cells begin mutating and growing out of control. They rarely go away on their own (without treatment) So don't get too scared, but please do find out what is causing the problem.
2006-08-13 06:49:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically a CYST is a bag filled with a fluid. A lump is an abnormal mass. Usually a large lump next to yr spine (back side) is a lipoma (a tumor made of fat) or actually a bruise (if you hit yourself on the back). Anyway, please see your Doc for a piece of mind as it is difficult to know exactly what you got without looking at it or feeling it or knowing your age!! Good luck
2006-08-13 06:50:11 · answer #5 · answered by Tony I 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother had that about two years ago and yes he was worried. It turned out to be a cyst and it was no big deal. Get it cut out and put your mind at rest. Worry is the worst thing in the world. Best to you. ( Note:...cancer stays....It wouldn't go away and then come back. You will be ok but go see that doctor.)
2006-08-13 06:45:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there,
I know this must worry you. I will be honest with you, this question should be ask to your local PCP. This is something that would need to be examined at a doctors office. If the lump feels like it would be filled w/ puss then usually nothing to worry about, just apply a warm rag 3 times a day. If it is solid, seek medical attention. With you having the lump come and go, please go see your local doctor!
God Bless,
DocMattW
2006-08-13 06:45:21 · answer #7 · answered by docmattw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually have a cyst on my shrink returned that i've got carried around for the previous 2 years, even nevertheless that's not at all delivered on me any subjects with cancer. contained in the commencing up i suggestion it replaced into cancer, even nevertheless thank goodness it wasn't.
2016-09-29 05:36:40 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I don't think it is cancerous but I think you should have it checked out. My grandma had a cyst on her spine and she became parlized because they couldn't do anything about it back then. Go to the doctor!
2006-08-13 06:43:55 · answer #9 · answered by Sarah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a dr and get an mri - immediately. It could be a tumor or a cyst. You may need to get a spinal tap - you should have gone the first time - this is very important. Make an appt. with a neurologist or spinal surgeon ASAP
2006-08-13 06:43:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋