When is a Lump Concerning?

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor

Dinner Table Doctor has had loads of friends and family ask him about skin changes or lumps at the dinner table. I guess it’s a testament to how comfortable people feel around us, and we don’t even flinch when a dinner guest lifts up their pant-leg or exposes their belly. Let’s face it, people in our age group go through a lot of changes and new bumps and lumps do appear seemingly out of the blue. Naturally, people want to make sure this new development is nothing to worry about.

When to worry about a lump

A lump can be concerning for a number of reasons, and it’s always a good idea to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider. Some possible reasons why a lump may be concerning include:

• The lump is growing rapidly or is very large.
• The lump is painful or tender to the touch.
• The lump is hard or firm to the touch.
• The lump is fixed in place and does not move when touched.
• The lump is associated with other symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, or changes in bowel or bladder habits.
• It is a new lump.

It’s also important to pay attention to changes in any existing lumps. For example, if you have a lump that you’ve had for a long time and it suddenly changes in size, shape, or texture, this can be a sign of a potential problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

In general, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to lumps. If you have any concerns about your body, don’t hesitate to see your healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Beef on Weck

The last time a dinner guest asked about a lump, DTD and I were serving Beef on Weck. If you’ve never had this type of sandwich, you are missing out! My family has vacationed for several years in Chautauqua, NY where we enjoy the beautiful lake and often dine in area restaurants that serve this yummy delight. We haven’t been going as often in recent years, so we decided we had to create the dish on our own. DTD actually baked the special rolls needed for this from scratch! He constantly amazes me.

Beef on Weck is a popular sandwich that originated in Buffalo, New York. It is particularly well-known in Western New York and the surrounding regions. The name “weck” is short for “kümmelweck,” which refers to the roll or bun used in the sandwich. The term “kümmelweck” comes from the German words “kümmel,” which means caraway, and “weck,” which means roll.

Here’s what typically goes into a Beef on Weck sandwich:

1. Roast Beef: The centerpiece of this sandwich is thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef. It’s usually cooked to medium-rare or medium for a tender and juicy texture.
2. Kummelweck Roll: The roll used for Beef on Weck is what sets it apart. It’s similar to a Kaiser roll but is distinctive because it’s topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds. The salt and caraway seeds give the roll a unique flavor and texture.
3. Horseradish: A key condiment for this sandwich is horseradish, typically served on the side. It’s often mixed with a bit of mayo or sour cream to mellow out its spiciness.

To make a Beef on Weck sandwich, the roast beef is placed inside the kummelweck roll, and it’s common to dip the top half of the roll in au jus (a flavorful beef broth) before assembling the sandwich. Some people also add a slice of Swiss cheese, although this is not traditional. Here is the recipe we used from delish.com. You could also buy rolls and add the salt and caraway seeds with butter.

Beef on Weck is often served with sides like pickles, coleslaw, or potato salad. It’s a beloved regional specialty, and you’ll find it on the menus of many restaurants and taverns in Western New York. It’s a delicious and hearty sandwich with a unique blend of flavors and textures, making it a must-try if you ever find yourself in the Buffalo area or other parts of Western New York.

We served ours with corn on the cob and a potato dish called Asado Potatoes. We found this recipe on FoodRepublic.com a long time ago and use it frequently for a simple yet impressive side dish. The potatoes come out crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. It was an excellent meal, and happily no concerning lumps on any of our guests were found!