clinical examination of lumps

Last reviewed 01/2018

The characteristics of a lump include:

  • colour
  • position
  • tenderness
  • temperature
  • shape
  • size
  • surface
  • edge
  • composition of lump
  • reducibility
  • relationship to other structures
  • examine regional lymph nodes
  • examine local tissues - always remember to note the state of the skin overlying a lump
  • always remember to examine the whole patient