Lumps and bumps scans

Discovered a lump under your skin? Our specialist lumps and bumps ultrasound scan can determine what it is, often without needing a biopsy. This targeted scan examines superficial lumps, soft tissue masses, lipomas, cysts, and swellings anywhere on your body – neck, arms, legs, trunk, or groin.

Ultrasound can distinguish between solid masses, fluid-filled cysts, and vascular lesions, assess their size and depth, and determine their relationship to surrounding structures. Most importantly, it helps identify whether a lump is benign or requires further investigation.

Our consultant radiologists have extensive experience in soft tissue imaging and provide clear, reassuring explanations. Appointments available at our Brentwood clinic serving all Essex areas.

Types of Lumps We Examine:

• Lipomas (benign fatty lumps)
• Sebaceous cysts (blocked oil glands)
• Ganglion cysts (joint/tendon cysts)
• Soft tissue tumours
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Hernias (groin, abdominal wall)
• Haematomas (blood collections after injury)
• Abscesses (infected fluid collections)
• Neuromas (nerve swellings)
• Foreign bodies

What the Scan Reveals:

• Exact size and precise location
• Solid vs fluid content (cystic vs solid)
• Depth from skin surface
• Relationship to muscles, tendons, blood vessels
• Blood flow within the lump (Doppler)
• Involvement of nerves or major vessels
• Benign vs suspicious features requiring referral

When You Need This Scan:

• New lump discovered anywhere on body
• Growing or changing lump
• Painful swelling
• Lump in sensitive area (breast, groin, neck)
• Multiple lumps appearing
• Lump after injury or trauma
• Concern about what a lump might be

Benign Features (Reassuring Signs):

• Well-defined borders
• Uniform internal structure
• No increased blood flow
• Moves freely under skin
• Soft and compressible
• Stable size over time

Features Requiring Further Investigation:

• Irregular borders
• Rapid growth
• Increased vascularity (blood flow)
• Fixed to underlying structures
• Firm or hard consistency
• Associated lymph node enlargement

Body Areas We Scan:

• Neck and throat
• Arms (upper arms, forearms, wrists)
• Hands and fingers
• Chest and breast (male breast lumps)
• Abdomen and flanks
• Groin and genital area
• Thighs and legs
• Ankles and feet

No Preparation Needed:

• No fasting required
• Wear clothing allowing easy access to area
• Shower before appointment
• Bring any previous imaging reports

Immediate Reassurance: Most lumps examined are benign (non-cancerous). The scan provides:

• Peace of mind if benign
• Clear next steps if further tests needed
• Written report for your GP
• Expert opinion from specialist radiologist