I know exactly what you mean. I think that is an exact description of me reading your update!
I am SO glad to hear that it isn't anything cancerous or otherwise life-threatening. I have heard of worm-things that can live under the skin, but I don't think I've heard of it in snakes before. Interesting, in a really yucky sort of way.
Good for you for being an observant enough snake keeper to find these things!