Physician performing ultrasound on soft tissue lump

How to Know if a Lump Is Cancer or Something Harmless

Found a Lump? Here’s What You Should Know About Lump vs Cancer Concerns

If you’ve recently discovered a lump under your skin, it’s normal to wonder — is it something harmless, or something serious? The question of lump vs cancer is one of the most common fears patients bring up in exams. The good news: most lumps aren’t cancer. But knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.

This FAQ breaks down the most common questions we hear about lump vs cancer concerns.

Is Every Lump Cancer?

No — most lumps are not cancer. Common benign causes include:

  • Lipomas: Soft, fatty growths under the skin
  • Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs, often moveable
  • Enlarged lymph nodes: Often due to infection
  • Fibromas or skin tags: Small, firm skin growths

Cancerous lumps are typically firmer, fixed in place, and grow steadily over time. But the only way to know for sure is with imaging or biopsy.

What Are the Red Flags for Cancer?

See your doctor if a lump:

  • Is hard or immovable
  • Grows steadily over weeks
  • Is painful or tender
  • Comes with weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats
  • Returns after removal

Even if a lump seems minor, rapid changes can signal a deeper issue.

How Is a Lump Evaluated?

First, your provider may perform a physical exam. If there are concerns, they’ll likely order:

  • Ultrasound: Helps identify fluid vs solid mass
  • CT or MRI: Gives a detailed view of deeper structures
  • Image-guided biopsy: Uses imaging to take a tissue sample safely

These are standard tools used to distinguish lump vs cancer — and they’re fast, safe, and accurate.

What Happens If It Is Cancer?

If a biopsy confirms cancer, early detection works in your favor. Image-guided interventions can often help with:

  • Targeted biopsy
  • Tumor ablation
  • Chemoembolization
  • Pain management or drainage

Learn more about how image-guided biopsies detect cancer — RadiologyInfo

When Should I Get a Lump Checked?

If the lump:

  • Grows
  • Changes in shape or firmness
  • Becomes painful
  • Appears suddenly
  • Hasn’t gone away after a few weeks

…it’s time to get it evaluated.

Don’t Wait to Get Answers

It’s easy to ignore a lump — or panic about one. But most concerns fall somewhere in between. The good news? Interventional imaging can often give you answers quickly, without surgery.

Find more patient-first diagnostic insights on our blog.

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