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What to do if…
you notice a new lump or swelling that appeared suddenly and is growing

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Get it checked promptly. Use 999 now if swelling affects your lips, mouth, tongue or throat, or if you have breathing trouble, throat tightness, severe swallowing difficulty, faintness, confusion, or grey, blue or very pale skin. If it is not an emergency but the lump is growing, painful, red, hot, hard and fixed, or you feel unwell, contact your GP or use NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Do not do these things

  • Do not squeeze, lance, puncture, cut, or try to drain the lump.
  • Do not “wait and see” if it is getting bigger quickly, becoming red, hot or painful, or you feel unwell.
  • Do not keep pressing, rubbing, or massaging it to check whether it moves.
  • Do not take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s medication.
  • Do not drive yourself to urgent care or A&E if you feel faint, confused, very unwell, or if swelling is affecting breathing or swallowing.

What to do now

  1. Check for emergency red flags first.

    • Call 999 now if your lips, mouth, tongue or throat suddenly become swollen, you are struggling to breathe, your throat feels tight, you are struggling to swallow, you become very drowsy, confused, dizzy or faint, or your skin, lips or tongue look blue, grey or very pale.
    • If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for allergy symptoms and you think this may be a serious allergic reaction, use it now and call 999.

  2. If it is not a 999 emergency, choose the fastest NHS route you can use.

    • Contact your GP surgery and say: “A new lump or swelling appeared suddenly and it is getting bigger.”
    • If you cannot contact your GP, cannot get prompt help, or you are unsure what to do, call 111. In England, people aged 5 and over can also use NHS 111 online.
    • If the swelling is painful, hot, red, spreading, or you feel hot, cold, shivery or flu-like, ask for urgent GP help or use NHS 111.

  3. Make a short symptom summary before you call or attend.

    • Note when you first noticed it and how fast it has changed.
    • Note the exact place on your body, approximate size, and whether it is painful, red, hot, itchy, soft, hard, fixed, or leaking fluid.
    • Mention any recent bite, sting, cut, injury, bruise, infection, vaccination, new food, or new medicine.

  4. Document change without irritating it.

    • Take one clear photo in good light.
    • If there is a visible red patch on the skin, you can draw a thin line around the edge and note the time.
    • Do not use the photo or line to delay help if the redness is spreading quickly or you feel unwell.

  5. Treat breast or testicle lumps as something to book in, not something to ignore.

    • If it is a new breast lump or a lump in the armpit with breast changes, contact your GP to get it checked.
    • If it is a testicle lump, swelling, change in shape, or one testicle has become bigger than the other, contact your GP to get it checked.
    • Go to A&E or call 999 if testicle pain is sudden and severe, comes with sickness or tummy pain, lasts more than an hour, or continues while resting.

  6. Keep the area simple and safe while you are waiting for advice.

    • Leave the lump uncovered unless clothing is rubbing it or fluid is leaking.
    • If it is leaking, cover it with a clean dressing or clean cloth.
    • Keep taking your usual prescribed medicines unless a clinician tells you otherwise.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide what the lump “is” right now.
  • You do not need to compare photos online or search for worst-case images.
  • You do not need to arrange private tests before a first NHS assessment unless you choose to.
  • You do not need to measure it repeatedly; one clear photo and your best estimate of change are enough for now.
  • You do not need to decide now what treatment, test, or referral you might need.

Important reassurance

New lumps and sudden swelling are common, and many causes are not serious. Because this one appeared suddenly and is growing, the safest next step is to stop poking it and get it assessed through the right urgent route.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about monitoring, treatment, tests, or referral may need help from a GP, NHS 111, urgent care, A&E, or another appropriate clinician.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice, diagnosis, or a substitute for professional assessment. If symptoms are rapidly worsening, you feel seriously unwell, or you have breathing, swallowing, throat, mouth, tongue or lip swelling symptoms, use emergency services.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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