Is a slight redness noted on the skin of the left shoulder with a small bump palpable upon examination?

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Last updated: May 11, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnosis for Skin Lesion on Left Shoulder

  • Single most likely diagnosis + Lipoma: A small, benign tumor made of fat tissue, which can cause a bump under the skin and is often found on the shoulders, neck, and back. The slight redness could be due to minor inflammation or irritation.
  • Other Likely diagnoses + Cyst: A closed capsule or sac-like structure that can contain fluid, semi-solid, or gaseous material, which may cause a bump and slight redness if infected or inflamed. + Abscess: A collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body, indicating a local infection, which could cause redness, swelling, and a bump. + Dermatofibroma: A small, hard bump that typically develops following a minor injury, most often on the legs but can appear elsewhere, including the shoulders.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.) + Skin Cancer (e.g., Melanoma): Although less likely, any new or changing skin lesion should be evaluated for the possibility of skin cancer, as early detection is crucial for treatment and survival. + Infected Sebaceous Cyst: If the bump is an infected sebaceous cyst, it could lead to more serious infections like cellulitis or abscesses that require prompt medical attention.
  • Rare diagnoses + Dermatological manifestations of systemic diseases (e.g., Rheumatoid Nodules in Rheumatoid Arthritis): While rare, some systemic diseases can cause skin lesions that might resemble a bump with slight redness. + Xanthoma: A rare condition characterized by the accumulation of excess lipids in cells, which can lead to the formation of small bumps under the skin, often associated with lipid disorders.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.