By Dr Thomas Hanna MBChB, FRCS, MSc, PGCE, PhD and Dr Peter Swan MBChB, FRACS
Compass Surgical | MacMurray Centre, Auckland
This is Article 3 of 8 in our guide to skin lumps, bumps and minor surgical procedures.
In our previous article, How Are Lumps and Bumps Diagnosed?, we discussed how surgeons investigate skin lesions, cysts and soft tissue lumps to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Once patients understand what a lump is, the next question is often:
“Do I actually need to have it removed?”
The answer is not always straightforward.
Many lumps and bumps are completely harmless and never require treatment. Others become uncomfortable, continue to grow, cause cosmetic concerns or raise questions about the diagnosis.
At Compass Surgical, we believe surgery should be recommended because it is likely to benefit the patient, not simply because a lump has been identified.
No.
Many common lumps can be safely observed.
Examples may include:
In these situations, reassurance and monitoring may be all that is required.
The presence of a lump and the need for surgery are two separate questions.
There are several situations where removal may be appropriate.
One of the most common reasons patients choose surgery is discomfort.
Symptoms may include:
A lump that repeatedly causes symptoms can become increasingly frustrating and affect day-to-day quality of life.
In these situations, removal may provide a permanent solution.
Many benign lumps grow slowly over time.
Although growth does not necessarily mean a lump is dangerous, larger lumps can become more noticeable, more uncomfortable and more difficult to remove.
Some patients choose to have a lump removed before it becomes a bigger problem.
Occasionally a lump cannot be identified with complete certainty through examination or imaging alone.
In these situations, removal allows the tissue to be examined by a pathologist under a microscope.
This provides a definitive diagnosis and can offer significant reassurance.
Most lumps assessed by surgeons are benign.
However, some skin lesions and soft tissue lumps may have features that warrant removal and pathological examination.
Examples include:
In these situations, surgery may be recommended to establish a diagnosis and guide any further treatment if required.
Not every decision to remove a lump is based on medical necessity.
Many patients are bothered by lumps that are clearly visible, particularly on the:
Cosmetic concerns are entirely legitimate and often form an important part of the decision-making process.
The goal is to balance the benefits of removal against the possibility of a scar or other surgical risks.
Sometimes.
Smaller lumps are often technically easier to remove and may result in a smaller scar.
However, not every lump needs immediate treatment.
The decision depends on:
This is one reason a consultation with an experienced surgeon can be valuable.
At Compass Surgical, we believe treatment should be tailored to the individual patient.
Our approach is built around:
For some patients, the right recommendation is removal.
For others, it is observation and review.
Our role is to explain the options and help patients decide what is right for their circumstances.
If you have a lump that is growing, causing symptoms, or simply raising questions, arranging a specialist assessment can provide clarity and reassurance. You can book a consultation with Compass Surgical to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options and whether removal may be appropriate.
Once the decision has been made to proceed with removal, most patients want to know:
“What actually happens during the procedure?”
The good news is that most lump and bump procedures are straightforward day-stay operations performed under local anaesthetic.
In the next article, “What Happens During Lump and Bump Removal?”, we’ll explain exactly what to expect on the day of surgery, from arrival through to recovery and discharge.
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Does every lump need surgery?
No. Many lumps can be safely monitored and never require removal.
Should I remove a lump before it gets bigger?
Sometimes. Smaller lumps are often easier to remove, but the decision depends on the diagnosis, symptoms and patient preference.
Can a benign lump be left alone?
Yes. Many benign lumps require no treatment unless they become symptomatic or bothersome.
Will removing a lump tell me exactly what it is?
Usually yes. The tissue can be examined by a pathologist to provide a definitive diagnosis.
Can I have a lump removed for cosmetic reasons?
Absolutely. Cosmetic concerns are a common and entirely reasonable reason for considering removal.
You may also find these articles helpful:
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Dr Thomas Hanna MBChB, FRCS, MSc, PGCE, PhD
Dr Thomas Hanna is a general and transplant surgeon practising in Auckland. He trained in the United Kingdom before moving to New Zealand in 2019. He has specialist interests in hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, minimally invasive surgery and the management of skin lesions and soft tissue lumps. Tom is a founding partner of Compass Surgical and is committed to patient-centred surgical care, clear communication and surgery performed with integrity.
Dr Peter Swan MBChB, FRACS
Dr Peter Swan is a general surgeon practising in Auckland with expertise in skin lesions, soft tissue lumps, hernia repair and gallbladder surgery. He is a founding partner of Compass Surgical. Peter’s practice focuses on practical, evidence-based advice, careful patient selection and personalised treatment.
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Compass Surgical
Doing what’s right, always.
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