Lumps

A lump is a localized swelling or a distinct area that can be felt beneath the skin or within tissues. Lumps can result from benign processes such as cysts, lipomas (fatty tumors), fibromas (connective-tissue nodules), or inflammatory swelling, or from infections and tumors, including cancer. They may appear anywhere on the body, with breast, neck, armpit, abdomen, and groin being common sites.

Evaluation typically starts with a medical history and physical examination. Clinicians assess size, tenderness, mobility, whether the lump is fixed, and any associated skin changes or systemic symptoms. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or mammography, are commonly used; MRI or CT may be employed for unclear cases. A biopsy or surgical excision may be necessary to determine whether a lump is benign or malignant.

Most benign lumps do not require treatment, though some may be monitored over time. Infected or fluid-filled lumps may need drainage or antibiotics. Lipomas or fibromas are sometimes removed for symptoms or cosmetic reasons. Malignant lumps require specialized oncologic care and treatment, which may include surgery, radiation, or systemic therapies influenced by cancer type and stage.

Red flags prompting sooner medical evaluation include a lump that grows rapidly, is hard or fixed to underlying structures, shows skin changes, is very painful, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever. Because many conditions can present with a lump, professional assessment is important to determine cause and appropriate management.