[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/11\/body-lumps-cancer\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/11\/body-lumps-cancer\/","headline":"How to Tell if Body Lumps Could be Cancer","name":"How to Tell if Body Lumps Could be Cancer","description":"You just found a new bump under your skin and you begin to panic. Could it be cancer?\r\n\r\n","datePublished":"2016-11-11","dateModified":"2022-04-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/112016_LUMPS.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/112016_LUMPS.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/11\/body-lumps-cancer\/","about":["Cancer Care","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":759,"keywords":["breast cancer","Lump Cancer","minor infection","oil glands"],"articleBody":"While we tend to think the worst when we find one, most lumps are not cause for concern.Common Causes of Body LumpsLumps form on the body for many reasons, most of them harmless. While the major concern is that it could be a cancerous lump, it might also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, or a swollen lymph node.Lymph nodesLymph nodes are movable, pea-size lumps found throughout the body, but which are mostly found in the neck, groin, armpits, and behind the collarbone. Their role is to get rid of toxins and dead blood cells. When you have a cold or even a minor infection, your lymph nodes may swell because they’re being bombarded with dead cells. If the swollen gland persists or grows bigger than a pea, and stays that way for more than two weeks \u2014 or if you notice more swollen glands \u2014 it’s best to see your health care provider to have it checked.Skin cystsCysts are noncancerous lumps filled with fluid, pus, or other material. They can appear anywhere and feel like small peas under the skin. Cysts can develop as a result of infection,\u00a0clogged oil glands, or around foreign bodies, such as earrings. They are usually slow-growing, painless, and smooth to the touch when they are rolled under the skin. Some cysts disappear on their own without treatment. Others may need to be drained.Other benign lumpsThere are a few other reasons you may experience a lump on your body. A lump may be a symptom of a corn that is infected or inflamed, acne, or a recent injury or trauma to the skin or tissue.When Not to WorryIf you find a lump with the following characteristics, chances are good that it is not serious:Soft to the touch.Moves and changes form with touch.Grows large and painful with activity and gets smaller with rest.Common Causes of Lumps by Body PartLump on headLumps on the head are typically benign and are usually a result of an ingrown hair, folliculitis, or recent injury. Cancerous lumps will originate in areas of moist tissue, such as the throat or nose. If you experience consistent sore pain around the nose or throat, see your health care provider.Lump on neckA lump on the neck should be watched carefully. Your neck is home to your thyroid gland, which can form benign solid or fluid-filled lumps at the base of the neck near the collarbone. Most thyroid lumps are benign, but they can form rapidly so it is important to see your provider for regular examinations. Cancerous lumps are hard and painless. They might seem to appear overnight and grow with time. A cancerous lump may block your windpipe or create pressure in the throat or nose. See your provider immediately if you notice these kinds of symptoms.Breast lumpsMany women find\u00a0lumps in their breasts\u00a0during self-examination. It’s natural to worry and think the worst because a lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of\u00a0breast cancer.\u00a0These lumps are often hard and painless, though some could be painful. Not all lumps are cancerous, though. There are a number of benign\u00a0breast conditions\u00a0\u2014 such as cysts \u2014 that can also cause lumps. It’s important to be aware of your body and to see your provider if you notice any changes in your breasts.Lump under armpitA lump occurring under the armpit may be a sign of hidradenitis suppurativa, which is a condition causing small painful lumps to form under the skin. These lumps typically occur in areas of friction like the armpit, buttocks, and groin. This condition begins with lumps that are pea-sized and painful. It can then develop into symptoms like blackheads or painful or leaking bumps, and eventually tunnels under the skin. See your provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.Cancerous LumpsCancerous lumps have distinct characteristics and may affect different areas of the body. See your doctor if you:Have a hard and painless lump.Can feel a lump under the skin at the base of the neck.Have difficulty sleeping.Experience an irregular heart rate.When to See Your DoctorCall your health care provider if you find a lump and you also:Experience sudden weight loss.Have difficulty sleeping.Feel pressure in the throat or nose.Experience difficulty swallowing.Have a pounding heart.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 11, 2016, and was last reviewed on April 25, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Tell if Body Lumps Could be Cancer","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/11\/body-lumps-cancer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]