Lumps can appear anywhere on your body. Most lumps are harmless but it's important to see a GP if you're worried or the lump is still there after 2 weeks.
Most lumps are normal
It's common for people to get lumps and growths on their skin. They can be caused by many things.
They can:
- be soft or hard to touch
- move around
- be very small or up to the size of a golf ball
- be a lump under the skin or a growth that hangs off your skin
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- your lump gets bigger
- your lump is painful, red or hot
- your lump is hard and does not move
- your lump lasts more than 2 weeks
- a lump grows back after it's been removed
- you have a lump in the breast or testicles
- you have a swelling on the side of your neck, armpit or groin that does not go down within 2 weeks
What happens at your appointment
The GP will look at your lump. They may be able to tell you what's causing it.
If they're unsure, they might refer you to hospital for tests, such as a biopsy (where a very small sample of the lump is removed and tested) or an ultrasound scan.
Possible causes of lumps
There are lots of possible causes of lumps and growths.
Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing it, but do not self-diagnose.
See a GP if you're worried or the lump is still there after 2 weeks.
Lumps anywhere on the body
Lump | Possible cause |
---|---|
Lump
Small, fleshy growth on the skin |
Possible cause |
Lump
Soft, squashy lump that moves |
Possible cause |
Lump
Smooth lump under the skin |
Possible cause |
Lump
Swollen, painful lump with a high temperature |
Possible cause |
Lump
Lump that’s painless at first, then gets bigger and becomes painful |
Possible cause |
Lumps on the armpit, neck or groin
Lump | Possible cause |
---|---|
Lump
Swelling on the side of the neck, armpit or groin |
Possible cause |
Lump
Lump in the groin |
Possible cause |
Lump
Lump on the front of the neck |
Possible cause |
Lump
Fleshy growths around the groin |
Possible cause |
Lump
Swelling on the side of the neck, armpit or groin that does not go down |
Possible cause |
Lumps around the bottom
Lump | Possible cause |
---|---|
Lump
Lump or lumps around the bottom (anus), often with itching or pain |
Possible cause |
Lump
Lump on the bottom (anus) and not being able to control when you poo |
Possible cause
Rectal prolapse |
Lump on the breast or testicle
Lump | Find out more |
---|---|
Lump
Lump or swelling on the breasts |
Find out more |
Lump
Lump or swelling on the testicles |
Find out more |
Lump on the hands
Lump | Possible cause |
---|---|
Lump
Smooth lump on the hand, wrist or finger |
Possible cause |
Lump
Rough growth on the hand or finger |
Possible cause |
Page last reviewed: 05 February 2024
Next review due: 05 February 2027