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Subcutaneous tumors

Forums Cutaneous Melanoma Community Subcutaneous tumors

  • Post
    Girlfromohio
    Participant

    For those with sub-q tumors… did they move around under the skin? Or were they fixed in place? Could you always feel them? Or did it depend on what position you were in? Are there other growths under the skin that move around?

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  • Replies
      Polymath
      Participant

      Hello Anon,

      I've quite a few sub-Q's and I would say they were all fixed. Did not move around and were very hard, solid masses.  These have all required surgery and/or radiation to conquer.

      Gary

      jennunicorn
      Participant

      Do you have a bump in an area where there might be lymph nodes? Swollen lymph node is what comes to mind with a moveable bump.

      ahg747
      Participant

      I have lots of under-skin tumors that move around easily, both large and small. I guess they are lymph notes that have tumors in them. I can always feel them if I press in the right spot but depending on position sometimes they are easier to feel.

        Girlfromohio
        Participant

        So do sub q tumors only appear in lymph nodes or can they appear anywhere under the skin?

        cancersnewnormal
        Participant

        They can be anywhere under the skin. Most will be quite firm. How easy they are to feel may change slightly, based upon where they are located. I had two in my right breast that were sometimes more difficult to find, versus the subQ on my left scapula, or the one on my left forearm, where there is only a thin layer of fat or skin. 

        jennunicorn
        Participant

        Sub q tumors are not lymph node tumors. They are tumors that develop in the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Usually pretty hard and not soft like a lymph node. If you have a bump or swelling somewhere, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.

      sister of patient
      Participant

      I know everyone's physiology is different but in case this is helpful – in my sister's case, sub-qs were usually preceded by a bruise – the bruise would come, the area would be a bit painful to touch and then, boom, a sub-q would be noticeable within a few hours – so the bruise was sort of a clue. They were also quite hard and though they could sort of be pushed, they only moved with the skin around them, never moved under the skin. Mets that were growing on bone did not bruise the skin (for her) and the skin moved quite easily over them. Our best to you!!

      Barb

        Girlfromohio
        Participant
        Thank you all for the detailed replies. I have a tiny bump under the skin on my shin bone. I can only feel it if I use one finger to toggle it back and forth, and only when my leg is flexed a certain way. It moves when you push it around. Trying to decide between needing a dr visit or my anxiety getting the best of me.
        jennunicorn
        Participant

        What stage melanoma are/were you? Where was your primary? Benign cysts happen, and that could be what you have if it is not melanoma related. My dad had a benign cyst on his calf for many many years, finally had it removed recently, just because it was ugly and he was tired of people asking about the big bump sticking out of his leg. Making a doctor appointment is best, better to get it checked out than ignore it.

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