It is normal to feel nervous about something new on your body. The best thing we can do is face it with courage and get it checked.
This photo shows a man in a hospital gown with a firm, raised bump on the front of his shoulder, close to the collarbone.
It looks like an inflamed cyst. Cysts in this area often start from a blocked hair follicle that slowly fills with keratin and oil.
Straps from bags and backpacks can rub against the shoulder every day, which can irritate a small cyst and make it swell.
Once it is inflamed, the lump can become red, tight and tender, and it may hurt when lifting the arm or carrying something.
A doctor will examine the shoulder, feel the edges of the lump and decide whether it is ready to be treated.
The skin is numbed first, then the cyst is opened, drained and the sac is carefully removed with small instruments.
Afterwards the area is cleaned and covered, and it is best to avoid straps rubbing on it until the skin has healed.
Keeping the skin clean, changing sweaty clothes quickly and not picking at bumps help stop new cysts from forming.
Face it with courage, because asking for help is a strong first step. The videos below show shoulder cysts being treated by professionals.
