What Kind of Doctor Treats Lumps? A Comprehensive Guide to Specialists

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Statistics show that most lumps are benign, but finding one can cause concern. Knowing what kind of doctor treats lumps depends heavily on the lump's location and characteristics, and the journey often begins with your primary care physician. A proper evaluation can determine if the lump is a harmless cyst, a benign fatty growth, or something that requires more specialized care.

Quick Summary

Determining which doctor to see for a lump depends on its location, size, and other characteristics. Evaluation typically starts with a primary care physician, who can then provide a referral. Common skin lumps are treated by dermatologists, breast masses are evaluated by gynecologists or breast surgeons, and deeper soft tissue or internal lumps may require an oncologist or general surgeon.

Key Points

Start with a Primary Care Physician: Your PCP is the first step for evaluating any new or unusual lump.
See a Dermatologist for Skin Lumps: Dermatologists specialize in growths on or just under the skin, such as cysts and lipomas.
Consult a Breast Specialist for Breast Lumps: Any new lump in the breast should be evaluated by a gynecologist or breast surgeon.
Referral to an Oncologist for Deeper Lumps: If malignancy is suspected, particularly for deeper soft tissue or bone tumors, you will be referred to an orthopedic or surgical oncologist.
Watch for Red Flags: Rapid growth, pain, hardness, or immobility are signs that a lump needs immediate medical attention.
Diagnostic Imaging is Key: Tools like ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy are used to accurately diagnose lumps that cannot be identified by a physical exam alone.
Don't Self-Treat: Never attempt to drain or remove a lump yourself due to the risk of infection and improper treatment.

Your Primary Care Physician: The Initial Consultation

For any new or unexplained lump, your primary care physician (PCP) is your first and most logical point of contact. Your PCP has likely seen countless common, harmless lumps and can perform an initial physical examination. During this visit, they will assess several factors, including:

Location: Where is the lump located on your body?
Size and shape: Is the lump small or large, and what is its shape?
Consistency: Does it feel soft, firm, or hard?
Mobility: Is it fixed in place or does it move freely under the skin?
Pain: Is the lump painful to the touch or painless?
Changes: Has it grown or changed in appearance over time?

Based on these observations and your medical history, your PCP can often provide a presumptive diagnosis for simple, common issues like lipomas or small cysts. For more complex or concerning lumps, or if a definitive diagnosis is needed, they will refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Who to See for Specific Lumps

The type of specialist required depends on the characteristics and location of the lump. Here is a breakdown of common referrals.

For Skin-Related Lumps: The Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They are the go-to specialists for most lumps that are on or just below the skin's surface. Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a variety of benign growths, including:

Cysts: Fluid- or keratin-filled sacs that can appear on the face, neck, back, or torso.
Lipomas: Soft, fatty tissue growths that form just under the skin.
Warts and Skin Tags: Benign growths that can be removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
Malignant Skin Growths: Lumps that are potentially cancerous, such as basal cell carcinoma.

Treatment from a dermatologist can range from observation to drainage or minor surgical excision in their office.

For Deeper Soft Tissue or Bone Lumps: Oncologists

If the lump is deeper, fixed, or exhibits characteristics that suggest a more serious issue, your PCP may refer you to an oncologist. Orthopedic oncologists specialize in bone and soft tissue tumors, including soft tissue sarcomas, which are rare but serious malignancies. Surgical oncologists specialize in surgically removing tumors and work within a multidisciplinary team to manage complex cases. Academic or specialized cancer centers often have teams of experts for rare cancers like sarcomas.

For Breast Lumps: Gynecologists and Breast Surgeons

For any new lump or thickening found in the breast, the initial evaluation often involves a gynecologist or a primary care physician who may then refer you to a specialist. A breast surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast diseases, both benign (like fibroadenomas or cysts) and malignant (breast cancer). Imaging tests like a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound will likely be ordered to characterize the mass.

Diagnostic Tools Used by Specialists

To move beyond a physical exam and confirm a diagnosis, specialists rely on several diagnostic tools:

Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of a lump, helping to distinguish between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, particularly useful for evaluating deeper, more complex masses like soft tissue sarcomas.
Biopsy: Involves taking a small tissue sample from the lump for laboratory analysis. A pathologist then examines the sample under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous. Core needle biopsies are common for many types of lumps.

Comparison of Common Lump Types and Specialists


Type of Lump	Primary Specialist	Characteristics	Common Diagnostic Tool(s)
Lipoma	Dermatologist / General Surgeon	Soft, movable, fatty lump under the skin	Physical exam, sometimes ultrasound
Skin Cyst	Dermatologist	Firm, round, often fluid-filled sac; may have a dark center	Physical exam, often no imaging needed
Soft Tissue Sarcoma	Orthopedic Oncologist / Surgical Oncologist	Deep-seated, often >5cm, can be firm or fixed	MRI, CT scan, and biopsy
Breast Cyst	Gynecologist / Breast Surgeon	Smooth, round, and movable; fluid-filled	Diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration
Breast Fibroadenoma	Gynecologist / Breast Surgeon	Firm, smooth, rubbery, and movable breast lump	Diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, core needle biopsy

What to Expect at Your Specialist Appointment

When you see a specialist, they will conduct a more focused and detailed examination. Be prepared to answer questions about the history of the lump, any associated symptoms, and your overall health. The specialist will discuss potential diagnostic tests, such as imaging or a biopsy, to confirm the nature of the lump. Once a diagnosis is made, they will outline the appropriate treatment plan, whether it's simple observation or a procedure like surgical removal.

Questions to ask your doctor about a lump:

What is your preliminary diagnosis?
What tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
What are my treatment options?
Do I need to be concerned about malignancy?
Should I be monitoring this lump for changes?

Important Signals That Require Prompt Evaluation

While most lumps are not a cause for alarm, certain characteristics warrant more urgent medical attention. See a doctor right away if the lump:

Grows rapidly
Is hard and immovable
Causes significant pain
Appears red, inflamed, or bleeds
Is larger than 5cm

Conclusion

Finding a new lump can be a cause for anxiety, but taking the proper steps for evaluation can provide peace of mind. Starting with your primary care physician allows for a broad initial assessment, which will lead to the right specialist for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Most lumps are benign and require minimal intervention, but a thorough examination ensures that any more serious conditions are addressed promptly and effectively. Consulting a professional is always the best course of action when you discover an unexplained lump. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers excellent resources on this topic. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0600/p602.html

Frequently Asked Questions

You should see a doctor about any new, unexplained lump. It is especially important to seek prompt medical attention if a lump is growing rapidly, is hard or immovable, causes pain, or shows signs of infection like redness and swelling.

Your primary care physician can often diagnose and manage simple, benign lumps. However, for more complex cases, cosmetic removal, or if there is any concern about malignancy, they will refer you to a specialist like a dermatologist or surgeon.

For a breast lump, you should first contact your primary care physician or a gynecologist. They will perform an initial examination and may refer you to a breast surgeon for further imaging, biopsy, and specialized treatment if necessary.

A dermatologist specializes in superficial skin growths and can perform minor excisions in-office. A general surgeon may be involved for larger lumps, more complex procedures, or if the lump is deeper below the skin and requires more involved surgery.

A doctor will ask about the lump's history and perform a physical exam. They may use imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI, or perform a biopsy to get more information. Your treatment plan will be based on the diagnosis.

No, not all lumps need to be removed. Many common lumps, such as small, asymptomatic lipomas or cysts, can be left alone and simply monitored by a doctor.

A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from the lump for laboratory analysis. It is performed to determine if the lump is benign or malignant, which is crucial for determining the correct treatment plan.