Q. What are the various types of lumps and bumps that form under the skin? What can be done about them?

A. Lumps and bumps under the skin's surface can have many causes, and most of us will encounter them at some point in our lives. The safest and best plan for any lump or bump is to have it evaluated by your healthcare provider. Once diagnosed, you can work with your provider to decide upon a plan of care.

Below are a few of the common types of lumps and bumps:

• Lipomas

• Sebaceous cysts or epidermal inclusion cysts

• Abscesses or boils

• Ganglions

Lipomas

Lipomas are very common and are often referred to as "fatty tumors." A lipoma is a benign collection of fat that is soft, rounded and movable under skin that is otherwise normal in appearance. Most lipomas range in size from a half of an inch to two inches, though some can grow very large.

Usually lipomas first appear at young adulthood or later, and they grow very slowly. The most common places for lipomas to occur are the torso, arms, and legs. It is not unusual for people who have one lipoma to develop multiple lipomas. These growths are more common in people who have a family history of lipomas.

In general, lipomas do not cause discomfort or other symptoms, and they rarely transition into cancer. If a lipoma grows rapidly or causes discomfort, this is a warning sign that it needs medical attention.

While most lipomas can be surgically removed through a simple office procedure with local anesthesia, treatment is not required for lipomas without warning signs or symptoms. However, lipomas should be continually observed for changes.

Sebaceous Cysts or Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

These cysts are also quite common. Often, they are found in the skin on the back and scalp, though they can grow anywhere on the body. They occur when the oil gland at the base of a hair follicle becomes plugged with dirt or cellular debris. As oil production continues, the oil has nowhere to go and accumulates to form a cyst under the skin's surface.

The wall of these cysts become thicker and harder over time. The overlying skin can look normal. If the cyst ruptures, the contents have a white to yellow "cheesy" consistency.

While these cysts can remain dormant, they can also become infected. Treatment choices include observing the cyst for changes or having it removed. Removal is generally a simple procedure performed in the healthcare provider's office involving usually only local anesthesia.

Skin Abscesses or Boils

A skin abscess or boil is a collection of pus and infection in and under the skin. It can form for a number of reasons. One such cause is a sebaceous cyst (as described above) that becomes infected. Another possible cause is the penetration of a foreign body into the skin which results in infection, causing the abscess to form. Breaks in the skin's surface, such as cuts and scrapes, that become infected can also result in an abscess.

The treatment of choice with a boil or abscess is surgically opening it and removing the infection. This treatment may require wound care following the procedure and often antibiotics. The procedure is generally a simple, quick office procedure using only local anesthesia.

Ganglions

A ganglion is another common problem - a cystic structure forming along a tendon or joint. Ganglions are commonly found on the hands, wrists, ankles and feet. They grow slowly, but they can cause pain and numbness as growth continues. If a ganglion puts pressure on any nerves, it can cause a tingling sensation in other areas beyond the actual growth. Ganglions can sometimes interfere with joint function.

In many cases, ganglions are harmless and require no treatment aside from observation. They can also be drained using a syringe at a healthcare provider's office - a procedure that involves only local anesthesia. Should this fail to offer long-term success, surgical removal of the cyst from the tendon may be an option. However, ganglion reoccurrence rates are unfortunately fairly high.

In the end, whether or not people wish to remove any lumps or bumps they have, all abnormalities and changes should first be examined and diagnosed by their healthcare professional.

- Dr. Eric Anderson is board-certified in family practice. In addition to providing preventive healthcare for all age groups for Monroe Clinic's Family Practice service.