SOFT TISSUE MASS

Soft tissue masses — or tumors — are fairly common and can vary significantly depending on their location and type. They can develop nearly anywhere in your body, including within or between ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. You can also have soft tissue masses grow around other structures in your body, such as bones, nerves, or muscles. When this occurs, the tumor can impact their function.

Recognizing soft tissue masses

Tumors develop when abnormal cells in your body grow out of control, forming a mass. They can grow slowly or quickly. When they appear in the soft tissue, they can often seem round, oval, or sausage-shaped, but soft tissue masses can also be confused with general swelling.

The first sign of a soft tissue tumor is usually a lump, bump, or swelling. This kind of growth is typically painless, but it can cause discomfort if it gets larger and irritates or compresses surrounding tissue. In some cases, a rapid growth rate of a mass — or having pain — can indicate a more serious tumor.

Soft tissue masses can be benign or cancerous. Because of this, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible whenever you notice a mass, especially if it’s painful to touch.

Lipomas are growths composed of fat cells that tend to grow slowly. They are usually soft to the touch and may move slightly under the skin when pressed. Lipomas can appear anywhere in the body where there is fat, including the neck, shoulders, chest, trunk, and thighs. Although less common, lipomas can also develop in muscles, bones, or organs.

Sebaceous cysts, on the other hand, develop from sebaceous glands that produce oil. These growths can contain liquid or semiliquid material and typically appear on the face, torso, or neck.

If you have a painless growth on your body, it's important to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. While lipomas and sebaceous cysts are usually benign, it's always best to have a surgeon evaluate the growth and determine if any further action is needed. At times a biposy is essential to determine what the nature of the growth is.

. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend removing the growth for cosmetic or medical reasons. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns about a growth on your body.