I have 3 painful nodules on my arm, what could be the cause and is it advisable to have them removed ? i have had them for over 4 years but they were not painful and they were not as big, recently the nodules have grown and they are painful.

Need to examine: It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without additional history, physical examination and may be some tests. It would be prudent to see a doctor for an evaluation and to chart a course of treatment. Wish you good health!

Arm nodules : I could not be sure without an in-person examination. Most likely this is an enlarged lymph node. It can be lipoma, or neurofibroma. See a doctor