Lump and Bump Ultrasound London: What That Lump Under Your Skin Really Is and When to Get It Checked

You are in the shower, getting dressed, or simply scratching an itch and you feel it — a lump. It was not there before, or at least you do not think it was. Your mind immediately goes to the worst-case scenario.

Take a breath. The overwhelming majority of lumps and bumps under the skin are completely benign. Lipomas (fatty lumps), sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts, and enlarged lymph nodes from minor infections account for the vast majority of soft tissue lumps that patients bring to doctors. But the only way to know what a lump is — and to put your mind at rest — is to look at it properly.

A soft tissue ultrasound at The Wellness London provides detailed imaging of any lump or bump on your body in a single appointment. A GMC-registered doctor performs the scan, characterises the lump, and tells you what it is (or what it needs to be) before you leave.

Found a lump you want checked? Message us on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com. Same-day appointments available.

Common Causes of Soft Tissue Lumps

Lipoma. The most common soft tissue tumour in adults. A lipoma is a benign fatty lump that sits just beneath the skin. It is soft, mobile, painless, and typically slow-growing. Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the arms, shoulders, back, and neck. They are virtually always benign and do not become cancer. Ultrasound shows a characteristic well-defined, compressible, echogenic (bright) mass with linear striations — a pattern experienced doctors recognise immediately.

Sebaceous (epidermoid) cyst. A cyst arising from blocked sebaceous glands in the skin. Typically presents as a firm, round lump with a central punctum (tiny dark spot). Common on the scalp, face, neck, and trunk. Benign. May become infected and painful, requiring drainage.

Ganglion cyst. A fluid-filled lump arising from a joint capsule or tendon sheath, most commonly on the wrist, hand, or foot. Clearly visible on ultrasound as a well-defined, anechoic (black, fluid-filled) cyst connected to the underlying joint or tendon. Benign but may cause discomfort.

Reactive lymph node. Lymph nodes commonly enlarge in response to infection — a sore throat, skin infection, dental infection, or viral illness. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin are extremely common and usually resolve. Ultrasound assesses lymph node size, shape, and internal architecture. Nodes that retain their normal oval shape with a fatty hilum are almost always reactive (benign). Abnormal morphology warrants further investigation.

Abscess. A collection of pus within the soft tissues, typically caused by bacterial infection. Presents as a tender, red, warm lump. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis and can guide drainage.

Hernia. An inguinal or incisional hernia can present as a soft tissue lump in the groin or abdominal wall. Ultrasound with dynamic assessment (asking you to cough or strain) can confirm the diagnosis.

Fibroma / dermatofibroma. A firm, small, benign growth in the skin or subcutaneous tissue.

Haematoma. A collection of blood within the soft tissues, usually following trauma. Ultrasound shows a well-defined fluid collection with internal echoes.

When Should You Get a Lump Checked?

While most lumps are benign, certain features should prompt investigation:

• Any new lump that you have not had before
• A lump that is growing — particularly rapid growth over weeks
• A lump larger than 5cm (approximately the size of a golf ball)
• A deep lump — sitting beneath the muscle layer rather than superficially
• A firm or hard lump that does not move easily
• A lump that is painful without an obvious cause (like an insect bite or recent injury)
• A lump associated with other symptoms — weight loss, night sweats, fatigue
• A lump in the neck, armpit, or groin that persists for more than 2 weeks
• Any lump you are worried about — peace of mind is a valid reason for investigation

The key message: do not wait. A quick ultrasound provides rapid characterisation, and in the vast majority of cases, immediate reassurance.

Get your lump checked today. Book on WhatsApp.

Soft Tissue Scans at The Wellness London: Pricing

All prices include the doctor-performed scan, verbal debrief, and same-day written report.

What to Expect During Your Scan

No preparation is needed. The doctor will ask you to expose the area where the lump is located.

The scan is quick — typically 10–15 minutes for a single lump. The doctor applies gel and examines the lump from multiple angles, assessing its size, depth, composition, margins, blood flow, and relationship to surrounding structures.

Your doctor tells you during the scan what the lump appears to be. In most cases, you leave with immediate reassurance. If the lump has features requiring further investigation, your doctor explains the finding and recommends next steps — which may include further imaging, biopsy referral, or monitoring.

A written report is issued the same day.

What Happens If a Suspicious Lump Is Found?

If your lump has features that raise concern — large size (over 5cm), deep location, rapid growth, irregular margins, or increased vascularity — your doctor will:

• Explain the finding honestly and clearly
• Recommend further imaging (MRI for deep or complex soft tissue masses)
• Arrange urgent referral to the appropriate specialist — often via the two-week-wait sarcoma pathway if a soft tissue sarcoma is a possibility
• Provide a same-day report for the referring team

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare (approximately 4,000 cases per year in the UK), but early detection and appropriate referral are critical for outcomes. Your doctor will ensure you are on the right pathway without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple lumps be assessed in one appointment? Yes. If you have several lumps you want checked, these can be assessed in the same appointment. Pricing may vary depending on the number and complexity.

Do I need a referral? No. Book directly at The Wellness without a GP referral.

Can ultrasound assess lumps on the scalp? Yes. Scalp lumps including sebaceous cysts and lipomas are assessable on ultrasound.

What if the lump turns out to be nothing? That is the best possible outcome — and it is the most common one. Most patients leave with reassurance that their lump is benign.

Book Your Lump Ultrasound

📱 Book via WhatsApp

📧 Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

🌐 Book online: thewellnesslondon.com/ultrasound

This article was reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness London. All scans are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last updated March 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have found a new lump, please seek medical assessment. If a lump is growing rapidly, painful, or associated with systemic symptoms, seek assessment promptly.