A targeted diagnostic assessment of any unexplained lump, swelling, or soft tissue mass anywhere on the body. Ideal for characterising lipomas, cysts, lymph nodes, or any palpable swelling that requires investigation. Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic.
Not sure if this is the right scan? Call our clinical team for guidance.
A lumps and bumps ultrasound-scan is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to characterise any palpable soft tissue mass, swelling, or lump anywhere on the body surface or just beneath the skin.
Discovering an unexplained lump can be an anxious experience. Ultrasound is the most appropriate and immediate first-line investigation for soft tissue masses, as it can rapidly and accurately distinguish between benign lesions — such as lipomas, sebaceous cysts, and ganglion cysts — and those that may require further investigation. It can assess the size, depth, vascularity, and internal architecture of a lump in real time, providing clinically actionable information on the same day.
At Sonoworld, our consultant sonographers have extensive experience in soft tissue imaging and will provide a clear, expert assessment of any lump or swelling, wherever it is located on the body.
Lipomas (fatty lumps), sebaceous cysts, and ganglion cysts are among the most common soft tissue lumps. Ultrasound can reliably identify and characterise these benign lesions, providing reassurance and avoiding unnecessary surgical referral. Ganglion cysts — commonly found on the wrist or foot — are clearly visualised and measured.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, axilla (armpit), or groin are a common reason for referral. Ultrasound assesses the size, shape, cortical thickness, and internal architecture of lymph nodes to distinguish between reactive nodes (caused by infection or inflammation) and those with features that may warrant further investigation.
Any unexplained lump or swelling — whether on the neck, chest wall, back, limbs, or elsewhere — can be assessed. Ultrasound evaluates the lesion's echogenicity, vascularity (using Doppler), and relationship to surrounding structures. Where features are indeterminate, the report will recommend appropriate further imaging or biopsy.
You should book a scan if you have noticed a new or changing lump anywhere on your body, particularly if it is growing, painful, hard, or has been present for more than a few weeks.
A lumps and bumps scan requires no special preparation, making it one of the most straightforward scans to attend.
Our private lumps and bumps scan provides rapid access to expert diagnostic imaging with no hidden costs and no GP referral required.
No hidden costs. No GP referral required.
Book Your Scan OnlineIf your lump is in the neck and you are concerned about your thyroid gland or cervical lymph nodes, our dedicated thyroid and neck scan provides a more comprehensive assessment of the entire neck region.
View Thyroid & Neck Scan →No, you do not need a GP referral to book a private lumps and bumps scan at Sonoworld. You can self-refer and book directly online or by phone. If you have been referred by your GP, please bring the referral letter as it helps the sonographer focus the examination on the specific area of concern.
Ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose cancer, but it is highly effective at identifying features that are reassuringly benign (such as a simple cyst or lipoma) versus features that are indeterminate or suspicious and require further investigation. If a lesion has concerning features — such as irregular margins, internal vascularity, or an indeterminate solid component — the report will recommend further imaging (MRI) or a tissue biopsy. The vast majority of soft tissue lumps are benign.
We can assess any palpable soft tissue lump anywhere on the body surface or just beneath the skin. This includes lipomas, sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts, enlarged lymph nodes (neck, axilla, groin), epididymal cysts, soft tissue masses on the limbs, back, chest wall, or abdomen, and any other unexplained swelling. If you are unsure whether your lump is suitable for ultrasound assessment, please call our clinical team for guidance.
No, a lumps and bumps ultrasound is entirely painless. Warm gel is applied to the skin over the area of concern, and the transducer is moved gently across the surface. If the lump is tender, the sonographer will always work within your comfort level.
Your consultant sonographer will explain the findings to you immediately after the scan. A comprehensive written report and digital images will be provided on the same day, ready to share with your GP or specialist to support your onward management.
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