[35F] Painful, growing lump on thigh with history of blood clots
Patient Description
A 35-year-old female presents with a painful, reddish-purple lump on the back of her thigh, approximately the size of a quarter. The lump is hard, hot to the touch, and has increased in size and intensity of color over the past couple of days. The patient experiences severe pain when moving, standing, or sitting down, although pressure seems to alleviate the discomfort slightly. There is no fever or chills, but there is blood noted from the lump. The patient has a significant medical history of arthritis, lower back problems, and a previous episode of blood clots in the lung in 2011. She is not currently on any medications, has not been prescribed any in the past year, and has no known drug allergies except for Azitromizon, which causes hives. There has been no recent injury to the area, and while the patient reports a day of excessive sleep due to exhaustion, there has been no significant immobility or long travel.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:
- Skin Abscess or Boil: This is a pocket of pus that forms in the skin due to a bacterial infection. It can cause a painful, red, and warm lump that can grow in size and may eventually burst, releasing pus or blood. Treatment usually involves draining the abscess and antibiotics.
- Cellulitis: This is a bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. It can spread quickly and can be serious if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Given your history of blood clots, it's important to consider a blood clot in the deep veins of your leg. DVT can cause a painful, red, and swollen area, usually in the calf or thigh. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Hematoma: This is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, usually caused by an injury. It can cause a painful, firm lump that can change color as it heals.
What you can do
Given the severity of your pain and the potential seriousness of some of these conditions, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you're unable to get to a doctor, consider going to an urgent care clinic or emergency room.
In the meantime, you can try the following:
- Apply a warm compress to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This may help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may help to reduce pain and swelling.
- Try to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
What you should look out for
Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- The lump continues to grow in size
- You develop a fever or chills
- The pain becomes unbearable
- You notice red streaks spreading from the lump
- You develop shortness of breath or chest pain
Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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11 mo ago
