Rapidly Growing Subcutaneous Masses: When to Seek Help

Subcutaneous multiple masses

Hello doctor, two years ago I suddenly discovered multiple subcutaneous lumps on my body.
I went to the hospital for a surgical consultation and was told they were common lipomas and not to worry (no biopsy was performed, as they said it wasn't necessary).
However, in the past few months, I have noticed that the lumps are spreading rapidly.
They have gone from my hands to now being all over my body, and in the past few weeks, they have started to spread to my neck and cheeks.
Is this a normal phenomenon? Additionally, I can now see my pulse visibly on the surface of my palms (I don't know if it's related to the lumps, but my pulse seems to be rising; I can see it beating from my right wrist to my palm), which feels a bit alarming.
I would like to know if there is a way to recover from this situation.
If I need to go back to the hospital, should I go directly to dermatology or oncology? (When I previously visited surgery, it felt like going for psychological counseling...
the conclusion was that there was nothing to worry about, which made me wonder why I made a special trip to the district hospital.) I apologize for the many questions, and I appreciate your help.

Characteristics of the lumps: They are not visible on the surface; you can only feel them by touch.
They are not painful when pressed, can move under pressure, are leaf-like (multiple connected), and are separate from the skin, roughly the size of soybeans.
The rate of spread...
is very fast (for example, last month I could only feel one or two on my neck, and now there are many).

Current other body conditions: Excessive sleepiness.
Difficulty concentrating (this has been ongoing for about two months).
Sharp pain in the left side of my head, which occurs during exercise.
Occasional numbness on the right side of my body, occurring without pressure (the most recent incident was yesterday when I was writing; suddenly my entire right arm went numb from my right shoulder down to my palm, making it stiff and unable to open).

JmF, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/12/06

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

I'm sorry, but it's difficult to assess your situation without seeing you directly.
You may need to come in again, or you could first consult a dermatologist at a clinic for an evaluation.

Reply Date: 2014/12/06

More Info

When it comes to rapidly growing subcutaneous masses, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution and seek appropriate medical evaluation. Based on your description, it appears that you initially encountered multiple subcutaneous lumps that were diagnosed as lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors. However, the recent changes you have observed, including the rapid expansion of these masses to various parts of your body, including your neck and face, warrant further investigation.

Firstly, it is important to understand that while lipomas are generally harmless, any sudden change in size, number, or location of subcutaneous masses should be taken seriously. The rapid growth you are experiencing is not typical for lipomas, which usually grow slowly over time. The fact that you are also experiencing other concerning symptoms, such as visible pulsations in your hand, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and episodes of numbness or tingling on one side of your body, raises additional concerns that should not be overlooked.

Given these symptoms, I recommend that you seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional. You may want to start with a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions and subcutaneous masses. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the nature of the masses. If there is any suspicion of malignancy or if the masses are atypical, a referral to an oncologist or a surgical specialist may be necessary for further evaluation and potential biopsy.

In terms of the pulsation you are noticing in your hand, this could be related to vascular changes or increased blood flow in the area, which may or may not be related to the masses themselves. It is essential to discuss this symptom with your healthcare provider, as it could indicate an underlying vascular issue that needs to be addressed.

Additionally, the neurological symptoms you are experiencing, such as left-sided pain and numbness, are concerning and should be evaluated promptly. These symptoms could suggest a neurological condition that requires immediate attention. It is crucial to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare provider, as this will help them in making an accurate diagnosis.

In summary, while the initial assessment of your lumps as lipomas may have been appropriate, the recent rapid growth and accompanying symptoms necessitate further investigation. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention, and consider visiting a dermatologist first. If necessary, they can guide you to the appropriate specialists based on their findings. Early intervention is key in addressing any potential underlying issues, and your health and well-being should always be the priority.

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