I have had a small bump on my skin near my hip which has not grown. What is it?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had a small bump on my skin near my hip. It has not grown in size. I am just wondering what it might be? It is only visible when I push it with finger-like in the photo. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. It may be an epidermoid cyst. These are small lumps that develop under the skin and can present over the back, head, genitals, etc. They are usually asymptomatic and are benign. That means non-cancerous. Size varies from very small (millimeters) to few inches sometimes. The skin overlying is usually skin-colored or pale and are filled with cheesy-like, white keratin debris. Sometimes they become inflamed and irritated. They do not require removal unless hurting or recurrent secondary infection is there. Lipoma is another possibility and are a simple collection of fat at localized places, mainly on the trunk. No symptoms and soft, doughy on palpation. How is it? Soft or firm or pain or any discharge or duration or is it anywhere else? Any family history? Is it mobile or fixed? Take care.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Being soft and mobile, and the location suggests that it is a most likely lipoma. As I told you earlier, it is a benign, harmless condition and does not require treatment unless there is difficulty in terms of pain it gets pressed while sleeping or a significant increase in size. In that case, a simple surgical option is the best. But right now nothing much to do except observation. Take care.