Types of Lumps on Skin: What They May Mean

A soft, mobile lump under the skin may be a fatty growth or a cyst. A cyst can feel smooth and may have a small opening at the surface. A boil is often tender, warm and inflamed because infection has developed around a hair follicle; see [Boils](/conditions/boils/) for more detail.

Some harmless moles, fibrous growths and areas of thickened scar tissue also feel raised. Basal cell carcinoma can present as a persistent shiny, flesh-coloured or pink bump, sometimes with a sore or crust that does not settle; this is one reason a changing lump deserves examination. Appearance alone cannot establish the cause.

Do not squeeze, pierce or repeatedly rub the area, because this can worsen inflammation or introduce infection. Note where it is, when you first noticed it, whether it is growing, and whether it is painful, itchy, warm, bleeding or draining. A clinician may inspect and feel the lump; an ultrasound or a small sample may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Arrange a routine appointment if the lump persists, keeps returning, interferes with movement, or causes ongoing discomfort. Treatment depends on the cause and can include observation, drainage, removal, antibiotics for selected infections, or a targeted injection such as [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/).

Seek prompt medical advice if a lump grows quickly, becomes increasingly red or painful, feels hot, releases pus, or is accompanied by fever or feeling unwell. Urgent assessment is also appropriate for a lump that bleeds without clear injury, repeatedly crusts, develops a changing border or colour, or does not heal.

Get immediate help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, confusion, faintness or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can signal a significant infection or another urgent problem and should not be assessed by appearance alone.

Ask what features make the lump more consistent with a cyst, infection, scar or growth; whether it needs monitoring or testing; what changes should trigger a review; and whether squeezing, covering or applying a product could make it worse. You can also ask how to care for the area while waiting for assessment.