Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. HOME News Politics Royal Showbiz & TV Sport Comment Finance Travel Life & Style Life Cars Tech Garden Property Food Diets Health Style Express Wins The NHS has said that you need to see a GP if you have had a lump for more than two weeks. 12: 02, Wed, Jul 31, 2024 | UPDATED: 12: 04, Wed, Jul 31, 2024
The NHS is warning people to seek help (Image: Getty)
Discovering a lump can be alarming, but not all lumps are cancerous. Nevertheless, it’s really important to consult a GP if you have concerns.
Lumps can emerge in various shapes and sizes across the body. The NHS advises that while most lumps are benign, they should not be ignored, and seeing a GP is essential, particularly if the lump persists for more than two weeks.
So when should you consult a GP, and what symptoms should you be keeping an eye on? Here’s what you need to know.
Recently revised just months ago, the guidance says that “most lumps are normal,” with health professionals noting that skin lumps and growths are common.
It can be caused by many things and can look and feel different depending on its cause. Your symptoms might give you an idea of what’s causing it, but do not self-diagnose, it warns.
Your lumps can:
be soft or hard to touchmove aroundbe very small or up to the size of a golf ballbe a lump under the skin or a growth that hangs off your skinFor instance, a lump or swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin could be from swollen glands and doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer. Similarly, lumps in the breast area can be benign breast lumps, which the NHS indicates are often harmless. While some lumps can be serious, it’s important to remember that not all lumps signify cancer.
You should see a GP if…your lump gets biggeryour lump is painful, red or hotyour lump is hard and does not moveyour lump lasts more than two weeksa lump grows back after it’s been removedyou have a lump in the breast or testiclesyou have a swelling on the side of your neck, armpit or groin that does not go down within two weeksWhat will happen when I see my GP?The GP will examine your lump and may determine the cause. If there’s uncertainty, they might refer you to a hospital for tests like a biopsy, where a tiny sample of the lump is taken for analysis, or an ultrasound scan.
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