gourami question

Question
Hi--I have a powder blue gourami who is active,eating well, and seems healthy, but it has a small tan bump on its side, slightly raised and about the size of a grain of salt, but it is not ich. There is only one, it's been there for 2 weeks, and does not seem to bother the fish in the least.  In fact, it bothers me more than it does the fish because I can't figure out whether it has a little fishy mole or some weird disease or a slow growing parasite.
55 gal. tank, water chemistry consistently good, happy community tank.
I did have 2 powder blues but the other apparently succumbed to that dwarf gourami virus I read about over a month ago.  No signs of illness in this fish other than that little tan bump.... this is a great service and I do appreciate your support.

Answer
Hi Linda,
Lumps, and bumps are very difficult to diagnose.  It could be anything from a boil, tumor, or internal infection.  The fact that he is eating is a good sign.  The bump may get bigger, or it may stay the same size.  Never squeeze a bump, as this could be deadly.  For now, there isn't much you can do, but make sure your water is very clean, free of ammonia.  Fish live a long time with tumors, and their is nothing we can do except maybe see a vet which is very costly.  If it is a boil, it will come to a head on it's own, much like us.  If it should multiply, and your pet stops eating, then write back to me, as he may need an antibiotic, or parasite cure.  I would not recommend any medication right now.  When medicating a fish, we must be sure of what is wrong with him.  The wrong medication will do more harm than good.  For now, do not worry, and it may go away on it's own.
Lynda