Lumps & Bumps
Clinic

Lumps and bumps clinic in London

Finding a new lump can be worrying. At LSRI, a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist examines it with high-frequency ultrasound and reports on what it is likely to be and whether anything more is needed. Same-day appointments are available at our Harley Street and Harrow clinics, and the written report usually follows within 24 hours.

Most lumps turn out to be harmless, such as lipomas, ganglion cysts or skin cysts. If a lump needs a closer look, we can arrange an MRI at one of our partner imaging centres. If a biopsy is needed, we will refer you to the appropriate NHS specialist team, because a biopsy of a worrying lump is best planned by the team that will treat it.

When Should You Be Concerned About a Lump or Bump?

Most lumps are benign — lipomas, ganglia, sebaceous cysts, or reactive lymph nodes. However, certain features should prompt early assessment:

• A lump that is growing rapidly
• A mass that is hard, fixed, or immobile
• Deep-seated lumps attached to muscle or fascia rather than just under the skin
• Any mass larger than 5cm
• Associated night pain, weight loss, or fatigue
• Skin changes over the lump (redness, ulceration, tethering)
• A lump in a child or young adult without a clear explanation

The NHS guidelines on soft tissue sarcoma advise that any lump meeting the “2-week wait” criteria should be referred urgently for specialist assessment. At LSRI, we offer rapid-access imaging so that patients do not face long diagnostic delays.

How We Investigate Lumps and Bumps at LSRI

Step 1: Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is typically the first-line imaging investigation for superficial soft tissue masses. It provides real-time assessment of the size, shape, vascularity, and composition of a lump (solid vs cystic). At LSRI, our high-frequency ultrasound probes provide exceptional resolution of superficial structures.

Step 2: MRI Scan (Where Indicated)

For deeper masses, masses with suspicious ultrasound features, or when surgical planning is required, MRI provides comprehensive characterisation of the lesion and its relationship to surrounding structures. MRI is carried out at our partner imaging centres on 1.5T and 3T scanners, giving good soft tissue contrast and enabling detailed assessment of tumour extent and local invasion.

Step 3: Expert Radiologist Reporting

All imaging is interpreted by Dr Prashant Sankaye, who provides a detailed written report with recommendations. Where findings are suspicious, Dr Sankaye coordinates urgent onward referral to the appropriate sarcoma multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Common Diagnoses at Our Lumps and Bumps Clinic

• Lipoma — benign fatty tumour, soft and mobile; requires no treatment unless symptomatic
• Ganglion cyst — fluid-filled cyst arising from a joint or tendon sheath; most common around the wrist, hand, and knee
• Epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst — keratin-filled cyst within the skin
• Lymph node — enlarged reactive lymph node, usually secondary to local infection or systemic illness
• Desmoid tumour — locally aggressive fibromatosis, appearing deep and fixed to fascia
• Soft tissue sarcoma — rare but important diagnosis; requires urgent specialist referral via the 2-week wait pathway

Arrange Your Assessment Today

If you have noticed a new or changing lump or bump, do not delay. Most masses are benign, but rapid assessment provides peace of mind and, where needed, early access to treatment. Contact LSRI to book your ultrasound or MRI assessment today. We see patients at Harley Street and in Harrow, with same-day appointments available.