Growing lump under the skin: what to know

A lump may arise from a cyst, a fatty growth, an inflamed area, a swollen lymph node, scar tissue, or deeper soft tissue. Some masses are tumours, and tumours can be non-cancerous or cancerous. The fact that a lump is growing does not determine which category it belongs to.

Assessment usually considers the body region, duration, rate of change, depth, firmness, movement, tenderness, and skin findings. A clinician may examine nearby lymph nodes and recommend ultrasound, another scan, or a needle sample when more information is needed.

Make an appointment and write down when the lump appeared, how quickly it changed, and whether it hurts or affects movement. Note recent infection, injury, injections, surgery, or family history that may be relevant. Do not massage, squeeze, or puncture the area. Bring medication details and any earlier reports or images.

If a tumour is confirmed, treatment depends on its type, position, size, and relationship to nearby structures. Surgery is one possible approach for selected masses, not an automatic next step.

Seek urgent help if the lump causes breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden weakness, severe pain, or rapidly worsening swelling. Arrange prompt review for a hard or fixed mass, skin ulceration, bleeding, fever, night sweating, unexplained weight change, or ongoing growth. These features are reasons for examination, not proof of cancer.

Ask: Which tissue does this seem to come from? What benign causes fit the examination? Would imaging or a needle sample help? What result would change the plan? When should I return if it changes?