| Lumps and bumps are common. They may be felt under the skin or in other areas that are easy to examine such as the neck, breast or testicles. Evaluating lumps is one of the commonest uses of ultrasound in everyday radiology practice. Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality for evaluating lumps. It is quick, versatile and does not involve x-rays. This is particularly important in young patients and in areas very sensitive to x-rays such as the breast and testicles.In most cases it is possible for your radiologist to determine the cause of the lump and reassure you on the spot. Sometimes the nature of the lump or it's extent cannot be reliably determined by ultrasound alone and alternative imaging will be recommended. MRI is commonly used. A very small number of lumps will require biopsy. Ultrasound is excellent for guiding the biopsy needle into the exact spot so that the nature of the lump can be more accurately determined. This can be crucial information to guide further treatment. It is usually a simple matter for your radiologist to perform the biopsy. It is important to stress that the great majority of lumps and bumps are benign and harmless. If you are concerned about any new lump or indeed a longstanding lump that you feel has recently changed it is important you consult with your general practitioner. They will examine you and advise on any further treatment that is necessary.
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