What’s that lump? From bumps in your bottom to swellings on your finger, doctor reveals what they REALLY mean

Our bodies are constantly changing, changing and developing. So it is common for lumps and bumps to develop anywhere on the body.

Often these are harmless.

However, there are times when a lump needs further inspection as it could be a sign of something more serious.

Dr. Naveen Puri is Medical Director at Bupa Insurance and a medical doctor with more than 20 years of experience.

In a piece for MailOnline, he shares which lumps and bumps we should watch out for.

A lump on your finger

There are a few possible causes of lumps on your knuckles.

“Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled swellings that commonly develop near joints or tendons — especially on the wrists, hands and fingers,” said Dr. Puri. ‘They can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball.’

They are usually harmless, but if you feel pain, talk to a health professional. They may be able to offer treatment, such as draining the fluid from the lump or removing the cyst with surgery.

Dr. Puri added: ‘Heberd’s nodules are small bony growths that form in the joints closest to the fingertips. They are a symptom of osteoarthritis, where cartilage in the bone joint rubs away, leading to inflammation and pain.’

Talk to your general practitioner, who can advise on possible treatment and self-help measures.

Other common lumps on the fingers include wart-like growths, which may look small, grainy with small black dots on the surface. Warts can usually be treated with over-the-counter products from your local pharmacy.

Common lumps on the fingers include wart-like growths that may appear small, grainy with small black dots on the surface. Warts can usually be treated with over-the-counter products from your local pharmacy

A lump in your chest

Most breast lumps are not caused by cancer.

However, if you notice any lumps or changes in your breast, you should have them checked by your doctor.

Dr. Puri said, “You should regularly check your breasts for cancerous lumps.”

Watch for any texture changes, thickening or new lumps in your breast or armpit; changes in the size, shape, or feel of your breasts or nipples; changes in your breast texture, such as dimpling or wrinkling; color changes; and/or discharge or fluid from your nipples.

A common type of lump in the breast is called a fibroadenoma, according to Dr. Puri.

He said: ‘These lumps are often firm, smooth and rubbery in texture. They are not a cause for concern, but you should have a review by a health professional to determine this.’

Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can also lead to texture changes in the breast, such as feeling lumpy, painful or swollen.

“If these breast changes follow a similar pattern of appearing and disappearing throughout your cycle, it’s probably normal for you and not something you need to worry about,” said Dr. Puri.

Checking your breasts should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes. Simply rub and feel from top to bottom, feel in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities

Dr. However, Puri cautioned that any lump or texture change that persists throughout your menstrual cycle could be cause for concern.

Breastfeeding can also give a sensation of a lump if the milk ducts in the breast are blocked when breastfeeding.

Internal bruising or bleeding can also lead to lumps or texture changes in the breast.

“There may be a breakdown of the fat in your breast, known as fat necrosis,” added Dr. Puri. “This can lead to unevenness in the sensation of the affected breast, which may look like a lump.

‘However, if you have a breast lump that you are concerned about, you should always speak to a health professional as soon as possible for their advice.’

A lump on your skin

It is best not to self-diagnose lumps on your skin.

“Always talk to a health professional, especially if the lump has been there for two weeks,” said Dr. Puri.

Your lump may be a skin tag. These are small, usually harmless, growths on the skin.

“Do not try to remove these on your own,” added Dr. Puri. ‘Talk to a healthcare professional if it becomes painful, starts to bleed, gets bigger or starts to multiply.’

If your lump is painful, it may be an abscess.

Dr. Puri said these can also be deep under the skin, caused by an infection.

“They are often circular, contain pus and may feel warm and tender,” he said. ‘You are more likely to get a skin infection if you smoke, are overweight, have diabetes, have a skin condition such as eczema or are aged between 15 and 40.’

Signs of skin cancer range from harmless to obvious, but experts warn that treating cases early is key to ensuring they don’t spread or progress

A lump on your neck or armpit

When you have an infection or virus, said Dr. Puri that swellings or lumps may develop around your neck, chin, armpits or groin.

“These areas are connected to your lymph nodes, which help fight infection,” he added. ‘Lymph nodes will swell and be more easily felt if you have an infection.’

“Rarely, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer,” said Dr. Puri.

Make an appointment with your GP if your lymph nodes are still swollen a few weeks after you’ve recovered from an infection, or if you haven’t had an infection at all.

A lump on your testicle

Dr. Puri said you should always talk to a doctor if you notice any lumps or changes in your testicles.

“They may not be caused by cancer, but it’s always best to rule it out,” he added.

‘Possible causes of testicular lumps include cysts or infection, as well as possible testicular cancer, which can only be ruled out with an appropriate scan when a doctor sees you.’

Testicular lumps can be caused by cysts or infection, as well as possible testicular cancer. But you should always talk to a GP if you notice any lumps or changes in your testicles

A lump on the inside of your mouth

Lumps here usually go away on their own, especially if they are caused by infection or inflammation.

“Ringing with warm salt water a few times each day can help relieve pain, along with taking over-the-counter medications and avoiding tobacco products if you’re a smoker,” said Dr. Puri.

‘Eating cold food and avoiding spices and citrus can also help.’

However, he added that if your lump or swelling persists or gets bigger, talk to a health professional to get it checked out.

Mouth ulcers that do not heal, a hoarse voice and unexplained lumps in the mouth are all warning signs of oral cancer

A lump at the bottom

It’s common for lumps to form inside the bottom, and if you notice a painless lump around the opening of your anus, it’s usually not a cause for concern, according to Dr. Puri.

“The most common lump in or around the bottom is a hemorrhoid, more commonly referred to as a pile,” he said.

‘In some cases hemorrhoids can become painful, so medical examination should be sought if this is the case. Anal warts are another type of painless lump around the anus.’

Dr. Puri said if you find a hard lump around your anus and have pain, discharge, itching, swelling, changes in your stool or bleeding, it could be a sign of anal or rectal cancer.

He added: ‘Always speak to a GP.’