Weight Loss, Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery

Upper Gastrointestinal, Oesophageal & Stomach Surgery

Cancer Screening, Endoscopy / Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

Keyhole and General Surgery

Emergency and Acute Care Surgery

Removal of Lumps and Bumps: Lipoma, Cysts and Skin Abscess

Dr. Tan Chun Hai

Dr. Tan Chun Hai

Upper Gastrointestinal Specialist, Dual Fellowship Trained Surgeon
MBBS (Melbourne), Masters of Medicine (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery)

Introduction

An overview of lumps and bumps

Lumps and bumps on the skin can be formed due to various reasons. It is up to your medical specialist to identify the type of lump or bump and determine the right course of treatment. In rare cases, lumps and bumps can indicate different types of cancer.
Lumps and bumps are generally formed due to skin lipomas, sebaceous cysts, skin abscesses and swollen lymph glands.

Understanding the type of lump and bump

Skin Lipoma

image of lipoma on neck
A skin lipoma is a lump of fatty tissues that usually forms under the surface of the skin. They may appear anywhere on the body especially the neck, shoulder and back. A skin lipoma is soft to the touch and typically does not cause any pain.

Sebaceous Cyst

image of sebaceous cyst on neck

Sebaceous cysts are oil-filled bumps that form due to trapped sebum underneath the skin. They are usually found near hair follicles, but can also appear on the face, neck, chest and back. Sebaceous cysts may cause discomfort if they become infected or inflamed, turning the skin red and sore.

Skin Abscess

image of skin abscess

A skin abscess is a lump on your skin containing pus. They generally appear red on the skin, warm to the touch and are painful. An abscess can develop from infected cysts or general infections of the skin. Most abscesses may continue to get worse without care and can cause the infection to spread into deeper tissues.

Swollen Lymph Node

image of swollen lymph node

Swollen lymph nodes typically occur due to infection from bacteria or viruses. In rare cases, they are linked to cancer. Lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs that run throughout your body with the purpose of fighting infections and diseases.

Swollen lymph nodes may be accompanied with symptoms such as the common cold, flu and rapidly growing nodes (which may be indicative of cancer and lymphoma).

Have a concern over a lump or bump? Seek medical attention from our specialist.

For emergencies after clinic hours, head to Gleneagles Urgent Care centre (UCC) and request for Dr. Tan Chun Hai.

Overview

Are lumps and bumps a cause for concern?

Fortunately, most lumps and bumps are harmless and not a cause for concern. In rare or severe cases though, they may be linked to cancer or infections such as cat-scratch fever.

When to see a doctor?

Lumps may be a sign of serious issues when they are large, hard and grow in size over the weeks. If you notice an unexplained lump with such characteristics, consider getting an evaluation and treatment from a doctor.

20+ Years of Clinical Experience

Dr Tan Chun Hai (陈俊海医生)

Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon

Endoscopy & Minimally-Invasive Surgery Specialist

Dr. Tan Chun Hai is a dual fellowship-trained specialist in laparoscopic (keyhole) stomach cancer surgery and Bariatric & Metabolic surgery. His clinical expertise includes the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques for stomach-related disorders, Gallstones, Appendicitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Dr. Tan also specialises in performing endoscopies/gastroscopies and colonoscopies. When applicable, Dr. Tan provides same-day treatment within a few hours of diagnosis. Dr. Tan subscribes to a less invasive practice, promoting less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays.

Have a concern?

Send us your enquiry or give us a call at 6250 5610