*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - L : Lumps

Lumps can appear anywhere on your body. Most lumps are harmless but it's important to see a GP if you're worried or the lump is still there after 2 weeks.

Most lumps are normal

It's common for people to get lumps and growths on their skin. They can be caused by many things.

They can:

be soft or hard to touch
move around
be very small or up to the size of a golf ball
be a lump under the skin or a growth that hangs off your skin

See a GP if:

your lump gets bigger
your lump is painful, red or hot
your lump is hard and does not move
your lump lasts more than 2 weeks
a lump grows back after it's been removed
you have a lump in the breast or testicles
you have a swelling on the side of your neck, armpit or groin that does not go down within 2 weeks

What happens at your appointment

The GP will look at your lump. They may be able to tell you what's causing it.

If they're unsure, they might refer you to hospital for tests, such as a biopsy (where a very small sample of the lump is removed and tested) or an ultrasound scan.

Possible causes of lumps

There are lots of possible causes of lumps and growths.

Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing it, but do not self-diagnose.

See a GP if you're worried or the lump is still there after 2 weeks.

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.