Lumps Beneath the Skin – Understanding Cysts, Lipomas and Lymph Nodes
Why Do Skin Lumps Occur?
Finding a lump under the skin is very common. Most are harmless, but it’s natural to feel anxious when you notice one. Lumps may arise from simple, benign conditions such as epidermoid cysts or lipomas, or from lymph nodes reacting to infection. Less commonly, they can point to something more serious, such as a soft tissue or skin cancer.
Through RCG Health — a multidisciplinary team founded and led by consultant surgeon Mr Ricardo Camprodon — patients receive careful assessment, accurate diagnosis, and safe treatment when needed.
1. Epidermoid (Sebaceous) Cysts
Often called “sebaceous cysts,” these are smooth, round swellings just under the skin. They form when skin cells and keratin build up inside a small sac.
- Typically painless and slow growing
- Common on the face, scalp, neck, or trunk
- Can become red, swollen, or tender if infected
- Contain a soft, whitish material (keratin)
Treatment: Small cysts that don’t cause problems may not need removal. If a cyst is infected, recurrent, or cosmetically troublesome, surgical excision is recommended. Removing the cyst wall prevents regrowth.
2. Lipomas
Lipomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumour. They are composed of fat cells and are:
- Soft, rubbery, and mobile under the skin
- Usually painless
- Often found on the shoulders, back, arms, or thighs
When removal may be advised:
- Pain or restriction of movement
- Noticeable growth
- Cosmetic reasons
- Diagnostic uncertainty
⚠️ Important consideration: Research shows that around 5% of lumps thought to be lipomas are later diagnosed as liposarcomas or other cancers once tested in the laboratory. For this reason, any lump that grows quickly, feels unusually firm, or causes pain should be reviewed — and if removed, always sent for histological analysis.
3. Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and often enlarge temporarily during infection.
- Reactive nodes – soft, tender, and appearing during a cold, sore throat, or minor infection. These usually settle within weeks.
- Concerning nodes – hard, persistent, or painless enlarged nodes that do not resolve may require further investigation to rule out lymphoma or cancer spread.
If lymph nodes remain enlarged or are linked to symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, or fevers, medical review is essential. In some cases, a biopsy is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
4. Differential Diagnosis – What Else Could It Be?
While most skin lumps are benign, other possibilities include:
- Fibromas – growths of fibrous tissue
- Dermatofibromas – firm nodules in the skin
- Ganglion cysts – fluid-filled swellings near joints or tendons
- Soft tissue sarcomas – rare cancers that may resemble lipomas
- Metastatic nodules – deposits from cancers elsewhere in the body
Because the causes are so varied, examination, ultrasound, and sometimes biopsy are essential to provide certainty and reassurance.
What the Evidence Shows
- Epidermoid cysts are entirely benign, though they may become infected. Surgical removal is curative.
- Lipomas are benign in most cases, but around 5% are later confirmed as liposarcomas or other malignancies. This is why all excised lumps should be sent for histology.
- Lymph nodes are usually reactive and harmless, but persistent or unexplained enlargement must never be ignored.
International research confirms that the safest practice is to send all excised lumps for laboratory testing, ensuring no underlying cancer is missed.
Expertise with RCG Health
RCG Health, led by Mr Ricardo Camprodon, regularly manages skin lumps as part of surgical practice. The team’s work includes:
- Removal of epidermoid cysts
- Excision of lipomas
- Biopsy of lymph nodes
Every lump that is removed is sent for specialist histopathological analysis, giving patients confidence that the diagnosis is secure.
➡️ This combination of consultant-led surgery, multidisciplinary input, and evidence-based practice ensures safety and peace of mind.
What to Expect if Surgery Is Needed
- Assessment: Careful clinical examination, supported by ultrasound if necessary.
- Procedure: Most cysts and lipomas are removed under local anaesthetic as simple day-case procedures. Larger or deeper lumps may require a short general anaesthetic.
- Recovery: Most people return to everyday activities within 24–48 hours. Stitches, if required, are removed after 7–10 days.
- Aftercare: All wounds are reviewed, and histology results are discussed clearly at follow-up.
Reassurance for Patients
Most skin lumps are benign and easily managed. The key is a careful approach that rules out anything serious and provides safe treatment when required.
Patients under the care of Mr Ricardo Camprodon and the multidisciplinary team at RCG Health can feel reassured that:
- Common lumps such as cysts and lipomas can be removed quickly and safely
- Persistent or unusual lumps are always thoroughly investigated
- Every excised lump is analysed in the laboratory for certainty
- Care is consultant-led and supported by a competent, experienced team
➡️ The aim is simple: safe treatment, accurate diagnosis, and peace of mind.
