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Lumps & Bumps
In paediatric surgery, "lumps and bumps" refer to abnormal masses or swellings that can occur in children. These can arise from various causes, and the specific symptoms and treatment options depend on the underlying condition.
What causes Lumps and Bumps?
There are several causes of Lumps and Bumps:
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Hernias: Weaknesses in the abdominal wall that allow organs or tissues to protrude, such as inguinal (groin) hernias or umbilical hernias.
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Cysts and Abscesses: Fluid-filled sacs or localised infections that can occur in different parts of the body.
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Tumors: Abnormal growths that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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Hemangiomas: Benign growths of blood vessels that may appear as a raised, red birthmark.
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Lipomas: Benign fatty tumors.
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Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes, often due to infection.
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Others: Various other conditions, such as skin infections, cysts, or abnormal growths.
What are the symptoms of Lumps and Bumps?
Symptoms of Lumps and Bumps:
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Swelling or protrusion in the affected area.
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Pain or discomfort, particularly if the lump is tender or associated with inflammation.
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Redness or skin discolouration.
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Changes in size, shape, or consistency of the lump.
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Presence of other accompanying symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.
How to treat Lumps and Bumps?
The treatment approach depends on the specific condition diagnosed by a healthcare professional.
Treatment options may include:
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Observation: In some cases, the lump or bump may not require immediate intervention and can be monitored over time.
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Medication: For certain conditions like infections or inflammatory processes, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
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Surgical Intervention: Some lumps or bumps may require surgical removal. This can involve excision, drainage, or repair of underlying defects, depending on the nature of the condition.
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Other Interventions: Additional treatments, such as sclerotherapy (injection of a medication to shrink blood vessels) for hemangiomas or other specialised procedures, may be employed as needed.
It's important to note that this information is general, and specific cases may vary. If your child has a lump or bump, it's crucial to consult with your paediatric surgeon who can evaluate the condition and provide appropriate guidance and treatment recommendations based on the individual circumstances.
For more information, contact Dr Ong. Book an appointment today!