Lumps: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if a lump or swelling comes with:

   • Trouble breathing or swallowing, especially with mouth, tongue, face, or neck swelling
   • Sudden severe testicle pain or swelling
   • A pulsing abdominal lump with sudden severe abdominal or back pain, weakness, or fainting
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical care if a lump is red, hot, increasingly painful, or accompanied by fever.

   These signs may indicate an infection that needs treatment.

   A painful groin or abdominal lump that becomes firm, cannot be gently pushed back, or occurs with vomiting or severe abdominal pain also needs urgent assessment.

   This can happen when a hernia traps part of the bowel.

   Arrange follow-up sooner if you also have unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, ongoing fever, or unusual tiredness.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if a lump:

   • Lasts longer than about two weeks
   • Is growing or keeps returning
   • Feels hard or does not move
   • Causes ongoing pain
   • Is in the breast, testicle, or neck
   • Appears without a clear explanation

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lumps. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.