Lumps and cysts under the skin are common, and most are harmless, such as epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts and lipomas (soft fatty lumps). Treatment depends on the type and symptoms: many are simply watched, while some are removed with a minor surgical procedure. In Amman, assessment starts with examining the lump to find out what it is and the right next step.
Note: Most lumps under the skin are not serious, but only an examination can tell what a lump is. See a doctor if a lump grows quickly, feels hard and fixed, or comes back after removal.
When is removing a lump or cyst considered?
Removal may be suggested when:
- A lump causes pain or discomfort, or rubs on clothing
- A cyst keeps getting inflamed or infected
- A lump is getting bigger
- A lump in a visible place bothers you
- Your doctor needs the lump checked in a laboratory to find out what it is
Common types of lumps and cysts
- Epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst: a sac under the skin filled with cheesy material, sometimes with a small dot in the middle
- Lipoma: a soft, movable lump of fat that grows slowly and is usually harmless
- Abscess: a painful collection of pus with redness and warmth, which may need draining
- Swollen lymph nodes: may be due to infection or other causes that need assessment
- Other less common types, which your doctor identifies on examination
Diagnosis
Your doctor examines the lump and asks how long you have had it, whether it has changed and about any other symptoms. In many cases, examination is enough to tell what it is.
If the type is not clear, your doctor may request further tests.
- Ultrasound scan
- A sample, or laboratory testing of the lump after removal
- In some cases, other imaging depending on the lump's size and location
Treatment options
Options are listed from the simplest to the most invasive:
Do not squeeze a cyst or try to open it at home, as this can cause infection. Your surgeon will choose the right option after examining you.
- Watching: many small, harmless lumps that cause no symptoms need no treatment; you just watch for any change.
- Treating inflammation: an inflamed cyst may first need its infection treated or drained, with removal discussed later.
- Surgical removal under local anaesthetic: the cyst or lump is removed whole through a small cut and usually sent for laboratory testing.
- Removal under general anaesthetic: for large or deep lumps, or those in sensitive places.
What to expect on the day and after
Most small lumps are removed under local anaesthetic, and you usually go home after the procedure. The cut is closed with stitches and covered with a dressing.
- You may have mild pain or slight swelling at the wound
- Keep the wound clean and dry as your doctor advises
- You may need a follow-up to remove stitches or discuss the laboratory result
- A scar usually remains, and how it looks varies from person to person
- Recovery depends on the lump's size and location, and your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case
- Contact your doctor if you notice spreading redness, discharge, fever or worsening pain
When to book an appointment
Book an examination if you have:
- A new lump under the skin and you do not know the cause
- A lump that is growing or changing shape
- A lump that is hard or fixed and does not move
- A cyst that keeps getting inflamed or leaking
- A lump that has come back after removal
- A lump that causes pain or discomfort