When should you see a doctor about a new lump or swelling?

Lumps may come from infection, inflammation, a cyst, an injury, a swollen lymph node, or a non-cancerous growth. A breast lump is a common presentation of breast cancer, while a lump in soft tissue can be a presentation of soft tissue sarcoma; the lump itself cannot establish the cause. Location, depth, texture, movement, skin changes and how long it has been present help a clinician decide what to examine next.

Note when you first noticed the change, whether it is changing, and whether pain, fever, redness, discharge, weight change or night sweats occur with it. Do not repeatedly squeeze or massage the area. Photographing a visible change and recording its approximate size can help you describe progression. A clinician may examine it and arrange imaging or a sample when needed; tumour removal surgery is considered only after the cause and treatment plan are understood.

Seek urgent help for a rapidly enlarging swelling, severe pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, sudden weakness, heavy bleeding, or a lump with marked redness and fever. Otherwise, book a routine appointment promptly if the change does not settle or continues to evolve. A lump in a child, genital area or breast also deserves assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Ask what the examination suggests, whether imaging is appropriate, what changes should prompt earlier review, and when results will be available. You can also ask whether the location changes the possible causes and whether a biopsy or referral is needed.