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Differential Diagnosis for Upper Back Mass

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Musculoskeletal strain or sprain: Given the location over the spine and the symptoms of pain radiating to the right arm, a musculoskeletal issue such as a strain or sprain is a plausible explanation. The increasing swelling and redness could be indicative of inflammation.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Herniated disk: The pain radiating to the right arm suggests nerve involvement, which could be due to a herniated disk pressing on a nerve root.
  • Osteomyelitis or discitis: Infection of the bone or disc could explain the swelling, redness, and pain, especially if the patient has a history of recent trauma, injection drug use, or immunocompromised state.
  • Soft tissue tumor: A benign or malignant tumor of the soft tissues (e.g., lipoma, sarcoma) could present as a mass with increasing size and associated pain.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Spinal epidural abscess: Although less common, this condition is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent neurological deterioration and potential paralysis.
  • Spinal cord compression: Any condition causing compression of the spinal cord (e.g., tumor, abscess, herniated disk) is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent neurological damage.
  • Osteoporotic compression fracture: Especially in postmenopausal women or those with risk factors for osteoporosis, a compression fracture could present with sudden onset of back pain and should not be missed due to the potential for further fractures and morbidity.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Multiple myeloma: A malignancy of plasma cells that could present with a solitary plasmacytoma in the spine, causing pain and neurological symptoms.
  • Eosinophilic granuloma: Part of the spectrum of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which can cause vertebral lesions and present with pain and neurological symptoms.
  • Spinal metastasis: Although more common in older adults or those with known primary malignancies, metastatic disease to the spine can present with pain, neurological symptoms, and a palpable mass.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

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.

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