Lumps and Bumps Excision for Face and Neck

What are Lumps and Bumps?

Lumps and bumps are localized swellings that can develop on or under the skin. They can be caused by a range of factors, including infections, inflammation, injury, or growths such as tumours.

Common causes include:

• Acne
• Cysts
• Boils
• Moles
• Lipomas (fatty lumps)
• Skin rashes
• Some types of skin cancer

Benign vs. Malignant Tumours

A tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue. Tumours can be:

• Benign (non-cancerous): These do not spread to other parts of the body. Examples include cysts, nodules, lipomas, haematomas, haemangiomas, and papillomas.
• Malignant (cancerous): These can grow and spread into surrounding tissue and other areas of the body. Certain breast tumours, for example, can be malignant.

If you notice a new lump or bump, it is important to have it checked by a qualified health professional. They can assess the cause and recommend appropriate management.

Lymph Nodes and Their Role

Lymph nodes are small, soft nodules of tissue that are part of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infection. They play a key role in identifying and responding to germs, infections, and other foreign substances.

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, under the jaw, behind the ears, and at the back of the head. They often swell or become tender in response to infection or inflammation.

Common Lymph Node Conditions

Some conditions that affect the lymph nodes include:

• Lymphadenopathy: Swelling or enlargement of one or more lymph nodes due to local or systemic illnesses.
• Lymphadenitis: An infection of the lymph nodes, often linked to bacterial infections.
• Hodgkin’s Disease: A type of cancer that starts in lymph tissue and can spread to organs such as the spleen, liver, or bone marrow.

Diagnosis and Management of Swollen Lymph Nodes

A doctor can assess swollen lymph nodes through physical examination, checking for features such as size, texture, and tenderness.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Pain relief: Medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may be recommended to reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medicines may be prescribed if the swelling is caused by bacterial or viral infections.
• Cancer-related conditions: May require treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, depending on the diagnosis and stage.

It is important to seek medical attention if you notice persistent swelling, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

Lipomas

A lipoma is a slow-growing lump made up of fat cells. Lipomas are non-cancerous (benign) and are among the most common types of soft tissue tumours in adults.

They typically:

• Feel soft or rubbery to touch
• Are movable under the skin
• Grow slowly over time
• Appear on areas such as the face, neck, shoulders, back, or arms
• Most often occur between the ages of 40 and 60

Treatment for Lipomas

In many cases, lipomas do not require treatment, especially if they are small and not causing discomfort. Treatment may be considered if a lipoma:

• Becomes painful
• Grows quickly
• Restricts movement or function
• Causes cosmetic concerns

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

• Steroid injections: May help reduce the size of the lipoma but typically do not remove it completely.
• Liposuction or lipolysis: Can be used to reduce the size of the lipoma. However, there is a risk of recurrence, as the entire lipoma is not always removed.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical removal is considered the most effective way to treat a lipoma. Techniques include:

• Enucleation:
  • The lipoma is carefully separated and removed through a small incision.
  • A curette (special surgical instrument) may be used to aid removal.
• Surgical Excision:
  • A hemostat or surgical clamp is used to hold and gently remove the lipoma through the incision.
  • This method provides better traction and control during the procedure.
• Narrow Hole Extrusion Technique (Skin Punch):
  • A small hole is made using a skin punch tool.
  • A curved hemostat is inserted through this opening to remove the lipoma.
  • This technique may leave a smaller scar compared to traditional excision.

Aftercare and Recovery

• Following surgical removal, proper wound care is essential to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
• Follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor recovery and check for recurrence.
• Your doctor will provide specific advice on activities, wound care, and any necessary restrictions during recovery.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should consult a qualified health professional if you notice:

• A new lump or bump that appears suddenly
• A lump that grows quickly or changes in shape
• Pain, redness, or warmth around the area
• Persistent swelling in lymph nodes
• Other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss