What is the term for a solid formation larger than a papule that is often felt on the skin?

The term that describes a solid formation larger than a papule, which is often palpable on the skin, is nodule. Nodules are typically firm lesions that can be found in various sizes and can be located in different layers of the skin. They differ from papules, which are smaller, raised, and generally less than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Nodules can be indicative of various skin conditions, including inflammatory processes or growths, making them significant in dermatology. Their size and firmness allow them to be distinctly felt, which is a key characteristic that helps differentiate them from other types of skin lesions.

In contrast, cysts are sacs filled with fluid or semisolid material, pustules contain pus, and macules are flat and usually represent changes in skin color without elevation. Thus, while all of these terms refer to skin lesions, the nodule specifically describes a solid formation that is both larger than a papule and often felt on the surface of the skin.