Skin lumps are very often benign (not malignant). Common skin lumps are:

1. Lipomas
2. Sebaceous cysts
3. Dermatofibromas

Commonly thay are slow growing and not painful. Occasionally they can get infected.

Treatment is surgical (an operation to remove it). Sometimes this can be performed under local anaesthetic.

Features that would suggest that a lump is not benign are:

1. Rapid growth
2. Pain
3. Bleeding
4. Weakness of muscles around the area of the lump
5. Ulceration

These features should alert you to see you GP promptly, to get a referral to a Head & Neck surgeon

Skin cancers: click here