Cancer? Can it be or is it?

Question

Ok here's the deal, my aunt is kind of worried about this lump ON her right arm. It is like 5 inches away (downwards) from the shoulder.

It just appeared like that, out of no where! It is fairly large, it is not skrinking or growning, in is obviously under the skin because it's a lump, no red heads or any of that And i doesnt hurt her.

But at times, when she uses her had a lot, her joints hurt.


COuld it be cancer...or is it just a cyst?

Answer 1

Could be cancer, could be a cyst.

Not even a Dr will know for sure without a biopsy.

Don't take risks trusting the internet, get her to see a Dr!

If it is cancer, early diagnosis and treatment could be the difference betwen life and death.

Answer 2

Most lumps under the skin, especially if they appear quickly are not cancer and are not anything to worry about. The good news is since it is just under the skin, it will be easy to biopsy-where the doctor will insert a small needle and extract a sample to test. It is an out patient procedure and takes no time and all and your aunt can stay awake for it. But she should definately see her doctor about it. Below are some links that you might find interesting. (If it is on the outside of her arm and not in her armpit, it is not a lymph node)

http://www.goodhealth.com/health_a_to_z/health_library/symptom/swollen_glands_and_other_lumps_under_the_skin

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/Skin-lumps.htm