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Lumps

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:

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
Possible causes of lumps on your body
Lump Possible cause

Small, fleshy growth on the skin

Skin tags

Soft, squashy lump that moves

Lipoma

Smooth lump under the skin

Skin cyst

Swollen, painful lump with a high temperature

Skin abscess

Lump that’s painless at first, then gets bigger and becomes painful

Soft tissue sarcoma
Lumps on the armpit, neck or groin
Possible causes of lumps on your armpit, neck or groin
Lump Possible cause

Swelling on the side of the neck, armpit or groin

Swollen glands

Lump in the groin

Hernia

Lump on the front of the neck

Goitre

Fleshy growths around the groin

Genital warts

Swelling on the side of the neck, armpit or groin that does not go down

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Lumps around the bottom
Possible causes of lumps around the bottom
Lump Possible cause

Lump or lumps around the bottom (anus), often with itching or pain

Piles

Lump on the bottom (anus) and not being able to control when you poo

Rectal prolapse
Lump on the breast or testicle
Possible causes of lump on the breast or testicle
Lump Find out more

Lump or swelling on the breasts

Breast lumps

Lump or swelling on the testicles

Testicle lumps and swellings
Lump on the hands
Possible causes of lumps on the hands
Lump Possible cause

Smooth lump on the hand, wrist or finger

Ganglion cyst

Rough growth on the hand or finger

Warts

Page last reviewed: 5 February 2024
Next review due: 5 February 2027