Lump in Bicep? What could it be?

Question

I have a non-painful lump on the outside of my right bicep. It feels deep and as big as a marble. It is about 2 inches above the elbow. When straightening the arm it is half way between the inner elbow crease and the elbow. It feels kind of mobile but I am not sure it may be immobile. It is hard. It is not visible on palpitated. I noticed this in the last six months. I have had some muscle quivering in that arm occasionally but not lately. What could it be?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are soft and somewhat pliable although occasionally can be hard. Without an exam it is hart to tell. I hard, deep and attached to deep structures then you may need a MRI to make sure it is not a rare malignancy such as a sarcoma. If unsure what it is a needle biopsy can be performed giving you a diagnosis which would then guide the surgeon as to his approach. Fortunately a malignancy is very uncommon but can present the way you mentioned. See a board certified Plastic Surgeon or General Surgeon with experience in this area.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are common and can be removed with small incisions.  Lipomas are benign tumors that can grow with time.

	 

	I use very small incisions to remove lipomas in my practice.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

I would suggest scheduling a consultation and examination and then a proper diagnosis should be given. It sounds like a lipoma or cyst and it is often best to remove these before they enlarge or grow over time depending on their location. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Lump in Bicep? What could it be?

Answers (3)