Soft Lump on Inner Thigh: Tumor or Lymphoma? Which Specialist to See?

There is a suspected tumor or lymphoma on the inner thigh?

I have a soft lump on the inner side of my thigh that is about 3-5 centimeters in size.
It moves when pressed but does not hurt.
I'm unsure if it could be a tumor or lymphoma.
I would like to make an appointment for an outpatient consultation, but there are two options available: one is for the Hematology Oncology department, and the other is for the Radiation Oncology department.
Which one should I choose? Thank you!

Tomomi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/10/21

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Tomomi / 29 / The likelihood of a benign tumor is higher.
I recommend seeing a general surgeon first, as the hematology-oncology and radiation oncology specialists will not perform surgery to remove it for testing, nor will they do a biopsy.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult a surgeon first.
Thank you for your message.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Sih-Rong.

Reply Date: 2011/10/21

More Info

When you discover a soft lump on your inner thigh that measures approximately 3-5 cm, it is natural to feel concerned and want to seek medical advice. The characteristics you describe—softness, mobility upon palpation, and lack of pain—can be indicative of various conditions, including benign tumors, lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), or even malignant conditions such as lymphoma.
Given your symptoms, it is essential to consult a specialist who can accurately assess the lump and determine the appropriate course of action. In your case, you have two options for specialists: a hematologist (blood cancer specialist) and a radiation oncologist.
1. Hematologist: This specialist focuses on blood disorders, including lymphomas, which are cancers of the lymphatic system. If there is a suspicion that the lump could be related to lymphoma or another hematological condition, a hematologist would be the appropriate choice. They can perform necessary tests, such as blood work and possibly a biopsy, to determine the nature of the lump.

2. Radiation Oncologist: This specialist primarily deals with the treatment of cancer using radiation therapy. While they are crucial in the management of cancer, they typically do not perform initial evaluations or diagnoses. Therefore, if your primary concern is to understand what the lump is, a radiation oncologist may not be the best first step.

Given the information you provided, I would recommend that you see a hematologist first. They will be able to evaluate the lump more thoroughly and determine if further imaging studies (like an ultrasound or CT scan) or a biopsy is necessary. If the lump is found to be benign or not related to a hematological issue, they may refer you to another specialist, such as a surgeon or a dermatologist, for further management.

Additional Considerations:
- Lump Characteristics: The fact that the lump is soft and movable is often a good sign, as many malignant tumors tend to be hard and fixed to surrounding tissues. However, this is not a definitive indicator, and further evaluation is necessary.

- Symptoms to Watch For: If you experience any additional symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or fatigue, it is crucial to mention these to your doctor, as they can provide important context for your evaluation.

- Follow-Up: Regardless of the initial findings, it is essential to have regular follow-ups and imaging as recommended by your healthcare provider to monitor any changes in the lump.

In summary, based on your description of the lump and your concerns, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a hematologist. They will be able to provide a comprehensive evaluation and guide you through the next steps in managing your health.

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