Shoulder Lump or Mass

Overview

A shoulder lump or mass refers to any abnormal growth, swelling, or protrusion in the shoulder area. These can range from harmless fluid-filled cysts to more serious conditions requiring medical attention. The location, size, consistency, and associated symptoms help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Common Causes

Benign Conditions

  • Lipoma: Soft, fatty lump under the skin
  • Sebaceous cyst: Blocked oil gland forming a sac
  • Ganglion cyst: Fluid-filled sac near joints or tendons
  • Muscle knots: Tense muscle fibers (myofascial trigger points)
  • Bursitis: Inflamed fluid-filled sac causing swelling
  • Bone spurs: Bony projections from arthritis
  • Abscess: Pus-filled infection under the skin
  • Hematoma: Blood collection from injury

Joint and Bone Related

  • AC joint arthritis: Swelling at top of shoulder
  • Shoulder dislocation: Visible deformity from displaced joint
  • Fracture: Broken bone causing swelling and deformity
  • Osteomyelitis: Bone infection

Less Common Causes

  • Soft tissue sarcoma: Rare cancerous tumor
  • Bone tumors: Primary or metastatic cancer
  • Lymphoma: Cancer of lymph system
  • Enlarged lymph nodes: From infection or cancer

Characteristics to Note

  • Size: How large is the lump?
  • Consistency: Soft, firm, hard, or fluid-filled?
  • Mobility: Does it move under the skin or is it fixed?
  • Pain: Painful or painless?
  • Growth rate: How quickly did it appear?
  • Skin changes: Redness, warmth, or discoloration?
  • Associated symptoms: Fever, weight loss, night sweats?

Diagnostic Tests

  • Physical examination: Palpation and assessment
  • X-ray: To evaluate bone structures
  • Ultrasound: For soft tissue evaluation
  • MRI: Detailed imaging of soft tissues and joints
  • CT scan: For bone and complex masses
  • Fine needle aspiration: Sample cells for analysis
  • Biopsy: Tissue sample for definitive diagnosis
  • Blood tests: Check for infection or systemic conditions

Treatment Options

  • Observation: Monitor benign lumps that don't cause symptoms
  • Antibiotics: For infected cysts or abscesses
  • Drainage: For fluid-filled cysts or abscesses
  • Corticosteroid injections: For inflammatory conditions
  • Surgical removal: For large, painful, or suspicious lumps
  • Physical therapy: For muscle-related lumps
  • Cancer treatment: If malignancy diagnosed

When to Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor promptly if the lump:

  • Grows rapidly or changes in appearance
  • Is hard, fixed, and painless
  • Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
  • Causes persistent pain or functional limitation
  • Is associated with fever or night sweats
  • Appears after trauma with severe pain
  • Has overlying skin changes or ulceration
  • Is larger than 5 cm (2 inches)
  • Persists for more than 2-3 weeks