Soft Tissue Lumps

Condition

These broadly fit into 2 categories:

1. Benign superficial lumps <5cm which can be:
   • Asymptomatic
   • Symptomatic
2. Lumps with any ONE of these concerning features:
   • >5cm
   • Rapidly enlarging
   • Fixed
   • Tender

Initial imaging to be requested by GP at the local provider prior to any secondary care referral

Benign superficial lumps <5cm

These are generally diagnosed clinically and most do not require imaging, e.g. lipoma, epidermoid cyst
Should imaging be required this should be completed at a local provider.

Asymptomatic

• Reassure patient
• Measure size
• Monitor

Symptomatic

• Refer to the Restricted Treatments and Procedures policy on the Removal of Benign Skin Lesions for referral criteria: http://www.fundingrequests.cscsu.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/57-Removal-of-benign-skin-lesions-final.docx.pdf
• If appropriate, refer to General Surgery (Lumps and Bumps) for consideration of surgery. Please check inclusion / exclusion criteria for individual providers on ERS

Lumps with concerning features

Any ONE of the following:

• 5cm
• Rapidly enlarging (doubled in 2 months)
• Fixed
• Tender

References:
NICE CKS Bone and soft tissue sarcoma – recognition and referral
UHS Guidelines for GP Ultrasound Referrals in Adults 2019
HHFT Ultrasound Guidelines 2019