Finding a lump under your skin can be unsettling. You might notice it while showering, changing clothes or simply running your hand over an area that previously felt normal.
The immediate question is often whether it is harmless or something more concerning.
Not every lump indicates a serious condition. Lipomas (fatty lumps) and cysts are common examples of non-cancerous growths. However, certain soft tissue tumour symptoms should not be overlooked, particularly when a lump changes over time.
Key Takeaways
- Most lumps under the skin are not cancerous, but their growth, location and consistency can provide important clues.
- Soft tissue tumour symptoms may include a growing lump, swelling, discomfort or restricted movement.
- A lump that is deep, increasing in size or larger than 5 cm warrants medical assessment.
- Physical examination and imaging help determine whether further investigation, including a biopsy, is necessary.
What Could a Lump Under Your Skin Actually Be?
Soft tissue tumours are abnormal growths that develop in tissues such as fat, muscle, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. They are broadly classified into two categories,
- Benign tumours- These are non-cancerous growths. Lipomas are a common example and typically develop in the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
- Malignant tumours- These are cancerous growths, including soft tissue sarcomas, which can develop in different types of connective tissue.
The challenge is that benign and malignant growths can sometimes feel similar. A lump’s appearance or texture alone cannot reliably establish its nature.
Which Soft Tissue Tumour Symptoms Should You Watch For?
A lump may initially be painless and cause no noticeable problems. This does not automatically make it harmless. You should keep track of changes such as,
- Increasing size- A lump that continues to grow, even without pain, deserves assessment.
- Deep location- Lumps situated beneath the muscle rather than just under the skin may require closer investigation.
- Firmness or restricted movement- A lump that feels fixed to surrounding tissues may need further evaluation.
- Persistent discomfort- Pain, tenderness or pressure around the lump can sometimes indicate involvement of nearby structures.
- Changes in movement- A growth near a joint or muscle may eventually interfere with normal movement.
A lump larger than 5 cm is another important reason to seek medical assessment. However, smaller lumps should not automatically be considered harmless.
Does a Painless Lump Mean It Is Nothing Serious?
One common misconception is that cancerous growths always cause pain. In reality, some soft tissue sarcomas initially present as painless lumps. This is why doctors consider several characteristics together rather than relying on discomfort as an indicator.
If a lump is growing, feels deep or remains unexplained, a medical assessment can help determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
How Do Doctors Find Out What a Lump Is?
The assessment usually begins with a physical examination and a discussion about when the lump appeared and how it has changed. Depending on the findings, investigations may include,
- Ultrasound- Helps assess the lump’s size, depth and internal characteristics.
- MRI scan- Provides detailed images of soft tissues and helps establish the extent of a growth.
- Biopsy- Involves collecting a tissue sample for laboratory examination when further clarification is needed.
If a growth appears suspicious, the biopsy should be planned by the appropriate specialist before any attempt to remove it. This helps ensure that subsequent treatment can be appropriately planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a soft tissue tumour disappear on its own?
Some lumps, such as certain cysts, may change in size or resolve. However, a persistent or growing lump should be assessed rather than assumed to disappear.
Are all lipomas considered soft tissue tumours?
Yes. Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumours made up of fatty tissue. They commonly develop beneath the skin.
Can a small lump be cancerous?
Yes. Although size is an important consideration, a small lump cannot automatically be classified as benign. Other characteristics and clinical findings also matter.
Should every soft tissue lump be surgically removed?
No. Some benign lumps may only require monitoring, while others may need treatment depending on their size, location, symptoms and diagnosis.
Which doctor should I consult for a growing lump?
An orthopaedic specialist with experience in musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions can assess the lump and determine whether imaging, further investigations or referral to another specialist is necessary.
Schedule a Consultation to Get Your Lump Checked
A new lump does not automatically indicate cancer, but changes in its size, depth or consistency should not be ignored. If you have noticed an unexplained or growing lump, consider arranging a medical assessment rather than waiting for it to become painful.
At the Centre for Advanced Orthopaedics, Dr Sarbjit Singh can assess musculoskeletal concerns, including soft tissue lumps, and advise on appropriate investigations and management based on individual clinical findings.
Consider booking a consultation with Dr Sarbjit Singh to have an unexplained or changing lump medically assessed.
