Finding a lump under your skin can be an unsettling experience. It’s natural to feel concerned or worried when you discover an unexpected bump on your body. However, it’s important to understand that not all lumps are cause for alarm. Many skin lumps are benign and harmless, but knowing when to be concerned and seek medical attention is important for your health and peace of mind.

This article will cover why a lump might typically appear, when we should be concerned about it, and the diagnostic tests involved in screening for something serious.

When to Worry About a Lump Under the Skin

Most skin lumps are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous and don’t pose a health risk. However, in rare cases, a lump could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as cancer.

Common Causes of Lumps Under the Skin

Benign Lumps

Most lumps found under the skin are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and generally harmless. Common types of benign lumps include:

• Cysts: There are enclosed sacs filled with fluid or semisolid material. Cysts are usually soft, moveable, and painless unless they become infected.
• Lipomas: These are fatty lumps that develop under the skin, often on the shoulders, back, arms, or thighs. They are typically soft and doughy to the touch.‍
• Swollen lymph nodes: These can appear as lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin, often in response to infection or illness.

Infections and Inflammation

Infections can sometimes cause lumps to form under the skin. Common examples include:

• Abscesses: These are pockets of pus that form due to bacterial infections. They can occur anywhere on the body and are often painful, red, and warm to the touch. 
• Boils: These are painful, red bumps that usually involve an infected hair follicle or group of follicles.
• Infected lymph nodes: When fighting an infection, lymph nodes can become swollen and tender.

Lumps caused by infections often accompany other symptoms such as fever, redness, warmth, and pain. These typically require medical attention and may need treatment with antibiotics or drainage.

Signs That a Lump May Be Concerning

While most lumps under the skin are harmless, certain characteristics may indicate a need for medical evaluation.

Rapid Growth

A lump that grows quickly over a short period is a red flag that warrants prompt medical attention. Rapid growth can be a sign of a more aggressive condition, potentially including cancer. While benign lumps like cysts or lipomas tend to grow slowly over months or years, a lump that noticeably increases in size within days or weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. 

It’s important to monitor any new lumps you discover. If you notice rapid changes in size, shape, or color, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Keeping track of the lump’s growth rate can provide valuable information to your doctor during the evaluation process.

Hard or Immovable Lamp

Lumps that are hard to the touch or seem fixed to surrounding tissues may be more concerning than soft, moveable ones. A hard, immovable lump could indicate a more serious condition, including certain types of cancer.

Benign lumps like lipomas or cysts are typically soft and can be moved around under the skin. In contrast, a lump that feels very firm and doesn’t budge when you try to move it might be attached to underlying structures. This fixation can sometimes indicate a more invasive growth.

Accompanying Symptoms

Additional symptoms occurring alongside a lump can provide important clues about its nature. Some concerning symptoms to watch for include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Persistent fever
• Ongoing pain or tenderness at the lump site
• Skin changes over the lump (redness, warmth, or ulceration)
• Swollen lymph nodes in other areas of the body

When Should You See A Doctor?

Persistent Lumps

Any lump that persists over a few weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, regardless of whether it causes pain or discomfort. While many lumps are benign, persistent ones may indicate an underlying condition that requires attention. Even if a lump doesn’t seem to change or cause problems, it’s important to check it out. 

Doctors can perform tests to determine the nature of the lump and rule out more serious conditions. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you have a lump that doesn’t go away within 2-4 weeks.

Changes in Appearance or Size

Changes in a lump’s appearance or size are important indicators that warrant medical attention. Be vigilant for:

• Rapid growth or sudden increase in size
• Changes in color, such as redness or darkening
• Alterations in texture, like hardening or becoming more irregular
• Development of pain or tenderness
• Changes in the skin over the lump, such as dimpling or puckering

These changes could signal a more serious condition, including the possibility of cancer. If you notice any of these changes, promptly schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Family History and High-Risk Factors

People with a family history of cancer, especially skin, breast, or lymphatic cancers, should be particularly cautious about lumps. Genetic factors can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, making early detection crucial. Other high-risk factors include:

• Previous cancer diagnosis
• Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
• Immune system disorders

Diagnostic Tests for Lumps

When evaluating a lump, healthcare professionals use a variety of diagnostic tests to determine its nature and potential seriousness. These tests help differentiate between benign and potentially malignant lumps, guiding further treatment decisions.

Physical Examination and Medical History

During your initial doctor’s visit, the healthcare professional will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a detailed medical history. They will:

• Visually inspect and palpate the lump, assessing its size, shape, and consistency
• Check if the lump is mobile or fixed to surrounding tissues
• Examine nearby lymph nodes for any swelling
• Ask about when you first noticed the lump and any changes in its appearance or size
• Inquire about associated symptoms like pain, fever, or weight loss
• Discuss your personal and family medical history, including any risk factors for cancer

This initial assessment helps the doctor determine the need for further testing.

Imaging Tests

Your doctor may order imaging tests if the physical examination warrants further investigation. Common imaging procedures include:

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images, helpful in distinguishing fluid-filled cysts from solid masses
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: Offers high-resolution images of soft tissues

These tests help determine the lump’s composition (solid or fluid-filled), its precise location, and its relationship to surrounding structures.

Biopsy and Lab Tests

If imaging tests suggest the lump might be suspicious, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. This procedure involves:

• Removing a small sample of tissue from the lump
• Examining the sample under a microscope to check for cancer cells
• Sometimes, performing additional tests on the sample to determine specific characteristics of the cells

Biopsies can be done using a fine needle (fine needle aspiration), a larger needle (core needle biopsy), or a small surgical procedure. The type of biopsy depends on the lump’s location and characteristics.

These diagnostic tests work together to comprehensively evaluate the lump, helping your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.

Summary: When to Worry About a Lump Under the Skin

Discovering a lump under your skin can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that most lumps are benign and harmless. However, it’s important to monitor these for any changes. Early detection is key when dealing with more serious conditions like cancer. 

If you’re concerned about a lump under your skin, take a proactive step by booking an Ezra Full Body Scan. Our comprehensive scans screen for potential signs of cancer in up to 13 organs. Get peace of mind today and book your scan here.