Private Lumps & Bumps Ultrasound Scan
Investigating unexplained superficial lumps, cysts, suspected lipomas and localised soft tissue swelling.
OUR SERVICE
Have you noticed an unexplained lump or swelling?
Discovering a new lump or swelling can be concerning, particularly if it is painful, increasing in size or has been present for some time.
Many superficial lumps are harmless, but some require further medical assessment to establish their nature.
At Serenity Ultrasound, we offer private soft tissue ultrasound scans to investigate suitable superficial lumps and swellings, helping to provide information about their size, structure and location.
What can a lumps and bumps ultrasound detect?
An ultrasound scan can help assess a range of superficial soft tissue abnormalities, including:
- Lipomas – fatty lumps that commonly develop beneath the skin.
- Cysts – fluid-filled or semi-solid swellings beneath the skin.
- Ganglion cysts – fluid-filled swellings commonly found around joints and tendons.
- Fluid collections – including certain haematomas or abscesses.
- Abscesses – localised collections of infection beneath the skin.
- Sarcomas or suspected sarcomas – soft tissue masses that require prompt specialist assessment.
- Post-injury changes – haematoma, fat fracture, fat necrosis and panniculitis.
- Enlarged lymph nodes – assessment of the size and ultrasound appearance of selected superficial lymph nodes, where clinically appropriate.
- Other soft tissue masses – assessment of the size, depth, internal structure and blood flow of a lump to help determine whether further investigation is required.
When should you consider a lumps and bumps ultrasound?
An ultrasound assessment may be appropriate if you have:
- A persistent, unexplained superficial lump.
- A localised swelling beneath the skin.
- A lump that has changed in size or appearance.
- A suspected cyst or lipoma requiring further assessment.
- A lump that is causing discomfort or interfering with movement.
- A soft tissue swelling that your GP or another healthcare professional has recommended investigating.
What happens during your scan?
Your sonographer will ask about the lump, including how long it has been present, whether it has changed in size and whether it is causing any symptoms.
A small amount of ultrasound gel will be applied to the area, and the lump will be examined using a handheld ultrasound probe.
The examination may assess its size, depth, internal appearance, relationship to surrounding structures and blood flow.
You will receive a written ultrasound report outlining the findings and any recommendations for further assessment.
Can ultrasound tell whether a lump is cancerous?
Ultrasound can help distinguish between different types of soft tissue lumps and may identify features that suggest a benign or potentially concerning abnormality.
However, ultrasound alone cannot reliably confirm whether every lump is benign or malignant. Some lumps require further investigation, such as MRI or biopsy, to establish a definitive diagnosis.
If a lump is rapidly growing, deep, hard or fixed, or is approximately 5 cm or larger, it should be assessed promptly by a GP or appropriate specialist rather than relying solely on a routine private ultrasound appointment.
If your sonographer identifies an unexpected or concerning finding, they will explain the recommended next steps and advise on appropriate medical follow-up.
Book your private lumps and bumps ultrasound scan at Serenity Ultrasound.
OUR PROCESS
Your MSK Ultrasound Appointment at Serenity Ultrasound
1. Your consultation
Your sonographer will ask about your symptoms, medical history and the area of concern to help determine the most appropriate ultrasound assessment.
2. Your ultrasound examination
A small amount of ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin, and a handheld probe will be moved gently over the area being examined. You may be asked to change position or move the affected joint during the scan.
3. Understanding your results
Your sonographer will discuss the examination findings with you and explain whether any abnormalities have been identified.
4. Your report and next steps
You will receive a written ultrasound report detailing the findings. Where appropriate, your sonographer will advise you to seek further assessment or discuss the results with your GP or treating specialist.