“What could this lump be besides lymphoma? ”
I noticed a pea-sized lump near my popliteal lymph nodes on the back of my leg, just like an inch or so under my knee hollow (at the top of my calf). It’s fairly hard, it seems mobile but I’m not sure how moveable it should be. It doesn’t hurt and I have no idea how long it’s been there. I am going to schedule an appointment but my mind keeps going to lymphoma and I can’t really find any other things that match it other than lymphoma. I’m not asking for a diagnosis but any possible things it could be besides lymphoma? I’m 26 which is the perfect age for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Female | 26 years old
Complaint duration: 14 days?
Conditions: Pea sized firm lump
4 Answers
InternalMedicine|Hematology&OncologyHematologist-Oncologist
The size needs to be monitored. And a good physical exam should be done to develop a plan. There are indeed many other possibilities, including benign lesions (e.g., a fibroma) and malignant.
Whatever it may be, it is not Hodgkin disease. Sounds very benign, and I would just watch it unless it grows or changes characteristics. If you are unduly worried, it is very easy to remove, but personally, I would not bother unless it changes.
It could be lymphoma, but those nodes are generally soft. It could be a foreign body such as a thorn. Without tenderness it is not likely an infection. It is not likely to be lymphoma, but if it persists, it should be removed.
Hello,
You are right to be concerned about an unexplained lump on your body. However, your family worry about lymphoma is mind boggling. The chance of this being lymphoma in a young woman, particularly in an uncommon place in the body, is very low. The more likely diagnosis is a popliteal cyst or a sebaceous cyst, which are quite common in young people.
Truthfully, the only way to know for sure is for a physician to perform a biopsy so that a pathologist can examine the tissue. I would suggest that you consult your physician who can examine your leg and give you advice on possible consultations for further evaluation.
Good luck.
You are right to be concerned about an unexplained lump on your body. However, your family worry about lymphoma is mind boggling. The chance of this being lymphoma in a young woman, particularly in an uncommon place in the body, is very low. The more likely diagnosis is a popliteal cyst or a sebaceous cyst, which are quite common in young people.
Truthfully, the only way to know for sure is for a physician to perform a biopsy so that a pathologist can examine the tissue. I would suggest that you consult your physician who can examine your leg and give you advice on possible consultations for further evaluation.
Good luck.
