What does a new lump or swelling feel like with childhood cancer?

A child may have a visible or palpable lump in the neck, armpit, abdomen, chest, bone, or soft tissue. It may be smooth or irregular, fixed or slightly mobile, and painless or sore. Swelling can also show as a fuller tummy, a change in the shape of a limb, or clothing fitting differently.

Children may not describe texture or pain clearly. Notice whether the area is changing, whether movement is affected, and whether the child has ongoing tiredness, fever, bruising, reduced appetite, headaches, or unexplained pain. These signs can occur with many illnesses, so they do not establish a diagnosis.

Make a medical appointment for a new lump that remains, grows, becomes painful, or has no obvious explanation. Write down when it appeared and take a photo only if this helps you track a visible change. Avoid pressing it repeatedly or giving medicines specifically to hide the symptom without advice.

The clinician may examine the child, ask about recent infections and injuries, and arrange ultrasound or other tests. If a biopsy is recommended, the team will explain how the sample is taken and how the findings guide the next decision.

Seek urgent help if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, the child becomes unusually drowsy or confused, has sudden weakness, severe pain, repeated vomiting, or cannot use an arm or leg normally. A rapidly changing lump with marked redness or fever also needs prompt review.

Ask what changes matter most, whether the child needs imaging, how discomfort can be managed, and when results will be discussed. Ask who to contact if the lump changes before the next appointment.