A lump on the back is usually harmless and often caused by mild conditions like cysts, lipomas, or boils. These lumps typically form due to the buildup of fluid, fat, or inflamed tissue beneath the skin and can vary in size, texture, and firmness.
In most cases, a lump on the back is painless and resolves on its own or with simple treatments such as warm compresses, topical creams, or minor surgical removal. However, some lumps, like enlarged lymph nodes or basal cell carcinoma, may require medical attention to rule out infection or cancer.
Treatment for a lump on the back depends on its cause and may involve antibiotics, drainage, or minor surgery. It is important to seek medical assessment if the lump is painful, red, growing, or hard, as early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures the most effective treatment.
Why do I have a lump on my back?
The most common causes of a lump on the back are:
1. Sebaceous cyst
A sebaceous cyst is a type of lump that forms under the skin. It usually consists of sebum, and is soft, movable and painless. Some sebaceous cysts can become inflamed, however, and can appear red, hot and sensitive to touch. Inflammation is usually a sign of infection, and should be assessed by a doctor.
How to treat: Sebaceous cysts usually do not need any treatment. However if it is uncomfortable, larger than 1 cm in diameter, or if it is painful due to inflammation or infection, you should see a doctor. The doctor may recommend removal, which is a small procedure done in the office under local anesthesia. Following removal, the doctor may prescribe a week of antibiotics to prevent further infection.
2. Lipoma
A lipoma is a round lump that is made up of fat cells. They usually grow under the skin and grow slowly. This lump is usually painless and does not develop into cancer. Read more about what causes a lipoma and the symptoms associated with them.
How to treat: Lipomas can be removed surgically under local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the doctor may prescribe a healing oil or cream to apply over the wound.
3. Boil
A boil is an infection that occurs at the root of a hair follicle. It usually develops into a red, hot, painful lump with pus, similar to a pimple. Boils usually resolve within a few days, however if it persists for over 2 weeks, you should see a doctor for further assessment and treatment.
How to treat: To treat a boil, you should wash the area every day with antiseptic soap and warm water. Warm compresses over the area can also help to draw out the pus. If the boil does not resolve on its own with these interventions, or if it worsens or grows, you may need to see a doctor to start oral or topical antibiotics.
You should avoid squeezing or puncturing the boil, as this can worsen the infection and cause it to spread to other parts of the skin. Read more about how to get rid of a boil.
4. Dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma is a benign growth that appears as a small, firm nodule under the skin. These lumps typically range from 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter and can vary in color from pink to brown or dark brown.
Dermatofibromas are firm to the touch and may exhibit a characteristic dimple sign when pinched from the sides. Most dermatofibromas are painless, though some may be tender, itchy or irritated.
How to treat: Dermatofibromas do not require treatment as they are harmless and noncancerous. However, if the lump is bothersome, causes discomfort, or is a cosmetic concern, it can be removed surgically under local anesthesia.
5. Muscle knot
A muscle knot, also called a myofascial trigger point, is a hyper-irritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle that feels like a firm nodule under the skin. These trigger points commonly develop in the mid back, upper back, neck and shoulder blade area.
Muscle knots can cause pain and tenderness when pressed, and the pain can radiate to other areas of the body. They typically develop due to muscle overuse, poor posture, stress or repetitive strain.
How to treat: Treatment for muscle knots focuses on relieving muscle tension and restoring normal muscle function. Options include massage therapy with trigger point release techniques, warm compresses to increase blood flow and relax muscles, physical therapy with stretching exercises, or trigger point injections with local anesthetic for persistent cases. Deep tissue massage and consistent stretching can help prevent recurrence.
6. Enlarged lymph node
Enlarged lymph nodes on the back may be felt in the upper back and neck. These lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid from the scalp and head, and become swollen when fighting infection or inflammation in these areas.
Swollen lymph nodes typically feel like soft, moveable lumps that may be tender or painful to touch. The affected area may also feel warm. Common causes include scalp infections, head lice, skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, or infections in the head and neck region.
How to treat: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Lymph nodes that are swollen due to viral infections usually resolve on their own within a few weeks. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
If swollen lymph nodes persist for more than 2 to 4 weeks, continue to grow, feel hard or fixed, or are accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss, medical assessment is necessary to rule out more serious conditions.
7. Warts
Warts are small skin legions that are generally harmless. They can emerge in people of any age and grow anywhere on the body.
Warts tends to be firm and contain a rough texture. They can be round or irregular in shape, and grow to about 1 cm in size.
How to treat: It is important to see a dermatologist to assess the warts and remove them as necessary through laser therapy, adhesive tape or cryotherapy.
8. Cancer
In very rare cases, a lump on the back may be a sign of basal cell carcinoma cancer. This is a type of cancer that emerges as small patches on the skin that grow over time. They usually do not metastasis to other organs.
Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on areas that are most exposed to the sun. Affected skin will usually be slightly raised and will look like a wound that does not heal or constantly bleeds. Affected areas are usually pink or brown in color, and you may be able to observe small blood vessels surrounding it.
How to treat: Any visible skin changes should be assessed by a dermatologist. Suspicious-looking lesions will usually be removed and sent for biopsy to investigate for the presence of malignant cells. Treatment usually consists of laser surgery and the application of cold therapy to affected areas, to remove malignant cells. Following the procedure, the doctor may recommend regular screening to assess for the presence of cancer.
If the surgery is unsuccessful, or if there are many cancerous lesions, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
When to see the doctor
Usually, a lump on the back is not a serious finding. However, you should see a doctor if the lump is
- Growing
- Draining pus
- Painful, red or hot to the touch
- Is hard and fixed
- Regrows after removal
In addition, swelling on both sides of the neck, armpits or groin that does not resolve with time should also be assessed by a doctor.