Lumps on back - cancer? not?

[MrsMattie]

My dad is staying with us at the moment and last night I noticed a lump about the size of a small plum on his shoulder blade. It is hard - as hard as bone - and doesn't move when you press it. He says he has had it ever since he hurt his shoulder in a car accident 6 years ago. Fine - must be some sort of damaged cartillage. But then he says he has another lump. This one is in the middle of his back, right against the side of his spine. It's as big as a golf ball and not as hard as the other one. He thinks he's had it for a couple of years. My sister, who's a physio and gave him a massage at Christmas because he had back pain (his work involves heavy manual labour) says she didn't notice either of these lumps then and is suspicious of his story.

I've made a private appt with a doctor for Weds morning. I'm terrified to be honest, although I'm not letting on to him.

Does anyone have any idea if this could be anything other than some sort of tumour?

[MrsMattie]

I should add - my dad is notoriously bad at looking after his health. Me and my sister always have to force him to make doctor's appts and get things checked out. He hates doctors.

[BonsoirAnna]

My FOL had a large lump removed from his upper back a couple of years ago - it definitely wasn't cancerous, it was fluid filled, and was some kind of genetically influenced condition. I will try to remember what it was called so that you can have a google.

[Heated]

My father has a few like this on his back - completely benign. One was lanced at the doctors and was full of puss [boak] Get him in with the GP.

[Heated]

or even pus! lol

[nightcat]

I had a fatty lump (lipoma) removed many years ago from the top of the shoulder, then I was told by a dr that some people get hundreds of them, usually on the back, they are not cancerous at all. Mine moved only slightly, I was worried too, but turned out completely fine and haven't had any since. So, don't panic!

[deleting]

dp has one of these too, just fluid filled as well, but he should go and check his obviously.

[littlerach]

DH had a fatty lump removed 2 yrs ago, in the same place, against his spine.

he waited 4 yrs before he saw GP about it.

[MrsMattie]

Thanks for all your advice, ladies.

Saw a private doc today (£120 effing quid - Christ, these Consultants must be rich - but so worth every penny). The lumps are indeed 'classic lipoma'. Phew.

Thanks again!