Lump and Bump Scan (One Area) - £197
A Lumps and Bumps Ultrasound Scan is a safe, fast, and non-invasive imaging test used to examine any unusual swellings or masses under the skin. It helps determine whether a lump is benign (harmless), cystic (fluid-filled), or solid, and whether further investigation is needed.
What Does It Evaluate?
- Type and size of the lump or swelling
- Whether the lump is fluid-filled (cyst) or solid (possibly a lipoma or tumor)
- Presence of infection, abscess, or inflammation
- Exact location and depth of the lump
- Vascularity (blood flow) to assess for suspicious growths
Why Might You Need This Scan?
You should consider this scan if you have:
- A new or growing lump under the skin
- A painful, tender, or warm swelling
- A lump that has changed in size, shape, or color
- A history of cysts, lipomas, or abscesses
- Swellings in the neck, armpits, groin, arms, legs, or back
Common Symptoms or Causes
You may need this scan if you notice:
- A visible or palpable lump or bump
- Discomfort, redness, or pain in the area
- Recurrent boils, cysts, or abscesses
- Swelling that won’t go away or is getting larger
- A lump after trauma, insect bite, or infection
Benefits of a Lumps & Bumps Ultrasound
- Quick and accurate diagnosis of the nature of the lump
- Helps rule out serious conditions, including tumors
- No radiation or injections—completely safe and painless
- Guides treatment decisions or further investigations
- Peace of mind through early detection and evaluation
Worried about a lump or swelling? Book your Lumps & Bumps Ultrasound Scan today
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Lump and Bumps: Causes, Symptoms, When to Worry & Treatment Options
Noticing a lump on the elbow (also called a bump on elbow, elbow lump under the skin, or a cyst on elbow) is common. Most causes are benign—such as bursitis, lipomas, cysts, or skin lesions—but a tender or hard mass that’s growing, red, warm, or limiting movement deserves prompt medical evaluation. This guide explains what a lump on or near the elbow can be, what symptoms matter, how it’s diagnosed, and typical treatments.
Quick Summary
- Common benign causes: olecranon bursitis (“fluid on the elbow”), epidermoid/“sebaceous” cyst, lipoma (fatty lump), ganglion cyst, rheumatoid nodule, tophi (gout), skin lesions (wart, callus, keratosis pilaris), hematoma after a bump or fall.
- Less common/serious: infected bursitis/abscess, osteophyte/bony spur, bone or soft-tissue tumors (rare), swollen epitrochlear lymph node at the inner elbow (can enlarge with infections of the arm/hand).
- Urgent signs: fever, redness, warmth, rapidly enlarging or very hard fixed mass, severe pain, numbness/weakness in hand, recent trauma with deformity, or a lump persisting >4–6 weeks without explanation.
- Typical tests: physical exam ± ultrasound, X-ray (bone spur/fracture), blood tests (gout/infection), sometimes MRI or aspiration/biopsy.
- Treatment: depends on cause—rest/ice/compression, padding, drainage/aspiration, antibiotics if infected, steroid injection in select bursitis cases, or surgical removal for recurrent cysts/lipomas or suspicious lesions.
Where is your lump?
| Location | Likely possibilities | Typical clues |
|---|---|---|
| Tip/back of elbow (olecranon) | Olecranon bursitis, hematoma, skin wart/callus, bony spur | Soft/fluid “golf-ball” swelling; worse after leaning on elbow; may be red/warm if infected |
| Inner elbow crease (antecubital fossa) | Ganglion cyst from nearby joint/tendon, lipoma, epitrochlear lymph node, epidermoid cyst | Rubbery/movable; node enlarges with infections of forearm/hand; cysts feel smooth |
| Under the skin anywhere around elbow | Lipoma, epidermoid (“sebaceous”) cyst, small abscess/boil | Soft and mobile (lipoma); central pore or cheesy drainage (epidermoid); red, tender, warm (abscess) |
| Over tendons or pressure points | Rheumatoid nodules, tophi (gout), calcific deposits | Firm nodules with underlying arthritis/gout history; sometimes chalky content (tophi) |
| On bone | Osteophyte/spur, old fracture bump; rare bone tumor | Feels hard and fixed to bone; X-ray clarifies |
Common Causes of a Lump
1) Olecranon Bursitis (“Popeye elbow”)Inflammation or fluid build-up in the bursa at the back of the elbow. Triggered by pressure (leaning on desks), minor trauma, gout, or infection.
- Symptoms: soft to firm swelling, sometimes tender; may be red/warm if infected.
- Care: rest, elbow padding, ice, compression wrap, avoid leaning; medical review if large, recurrent, or red/hot/feverish (may need aspiration, antibiotics, or injection per clinician).
Soft, rubbery, mobile lump under the skin; usually painless and slow growing.
- Care: observation if asymptomatic; surgical removal if painful, enlarging, or bothersome.
Skin cyst from a blocked pore or follicle; may have a central punctum; can inflame or get infected.
- Care: warm compresses if mild; medical drainage or excision for recurrent/infected cysts.
Fluid-filled lump from a joint or tendon sheath (can occur around the elbow, though less common than wrist).
- Care: observation; aspiration or surgical removal if symptomatic or recurrent.
5) Rheumatoid Nodules, Gouty Tophi
Firm nodules in people with rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Tophi may feel chalky and can ulcerate.
- Care: optimize underlying disease, protect skin; procedures if ulcerated or very symptomatic.
6) Abscess/Boil or Cellulitis
Red, hot, tender swelling that may fluctuate. Often due to skin bacteria.
- Care: urgent clinical review; may need incision/drainage and antibiotics.
7) Enlarged Epitrochlear Lymph Node (Inner Elbow)
Small lymph nodes live near the inner elbow and can enlarge with infections of the hand/forearm or, rarely, systemic conditions.
8) Bone Spur / Old Injury
Hard, fixed bump on bone after repeated stress or prior fracture.
9) Tumors (Rare)
Most elbow masses are benign, but red-flag features (below) warrant imaging and possible biopsy.
When to Seek Medical Care (Red Flags)
- Fever, spreading redness, warmth, or severe pain
- Rapid growth or a hard, fixed lump that doesn’t move with the skin
- Numbness, tingling, weakness in hand or fingers; limited elbow motion
- History of cancer, significant unexplained weight loss, or night pain
- Lump persists beyond 4–6 weeks or recurs after drainage
- After a fall with deformity or persistent swelling
Diagnosis: What to Expect
- History & exam: size, mobility, tenderness, warmth, skin changes, nerve/vascular checks.
- Ultrasound: distinguishes cyst vs. solid mass; looks for bursitis, clot, or abscess.
- X-ray: bone spur, fracture, calcifications.
- Labs: if infection or gout suspected.
- MRI/biopsy: for deeper, solid, or concerning lesions.
Treatment Overview
Conservative care
- Rest, avoid pressure on the elbow
- Ice (10–15 minutes, cloth-wrapped)
- Compression wrap or elbow pad
- Elevation when possible
- Topical wound care if skin irritated (per clinician advice)
Procedures/medical
- Needle aspiration of bursa/cyst (selected cases)
- Antibiotics for infected bursitis/abscess (plus drainage when indicated)
- Corticosteroid injection for non-infected bursitis per clinician
- Surgical excision for recurrent lipoma/cyst or suspicious mass
- Manage underlying gout/RA to reduce nodules/tophi
Important: Do not attempt to pop or cut a lump at home—this risks infection and scarring.
FAQs
Is a hard, painless lump on my elbow cancer?
Elbow cancers are rare. Many hard lumps are benign (bone spur, old injury, lipoma that feels firm). However, any rapidly growing, very hard, fixed mass or a lump with night pain should be assessed promptly.
Can a lump on the inner elbow be a lymph node?
Yes. Epitrochlear lymph nodes sit near the inner elbow and can enlarge with infections of the hand/forearm or systemic conditions. A persistent or very firm node warrants medical review.
How long should I watch a small, painless lump?
If it’s small, soft, and not changing, you can monitor for 4–6 weeks. Seek care sooner if it grows, becomes painful/red/warm, or affects movement.
What’s the difference between bursitis and a cyst?
Bursitis is fluid/inflammation in a natural cushion (bursa) over the elbow tip. A cyst is a sac (skin or joint/tendon-related) that can occur around or near the elbow. Ultrasound helps tell them apart.
How are lipomas and epidermoid cysts treated?
Many lipomas are observed. Cysts may be observed too, but recurrent or infected cysts are removed. Your clinician will advise the best option for you.
Private Ultrasound Clinic
All part of our services, from our specialists to our technology and, of course, our clinic, is designed to deliver the greatest possible experience for all of our patients and visitors.
We are conveniently located a stone throw famous Harley Street of London and our clinic is a place where you may feel safe and clean, comfortable, and reassuring environment.
Central London Branch: 27 Welbeck Street, London, W1G 8EN
St Albans Branch : 54-56 Victoria St, St Albans, AL1 3HZ
Tel: 020 7101 3377
