An elbow lump is any abnormal swelling or bump on or around the joint. They can form deep within the joint or just under the skin, and range from small and soft to large and firm. Most are harmless, but the cause is not always obvious just by looking.
This guide walks through the common causes, the symptoms that go with them, and how an elbow and forearm ultrasound scan helps your specialist reach a diagnosis, often on the same visit.
01Causes of elbow lumps
Elbow lumps are generally grouped by their underlying cause:
Injury
A fracture or dislocation of the humerus, radius or ulna can leave a lump behind, as can a torn tendon from overuse or a traumatic injury, including tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). These are usually the result of inflammation and tend to settle as the injury heals.
Cysts and bursitis
Sebaceous cysts and ganglion cysts can both form noticeable lumps around the elbow, and are usually harmless unless they press on a nerve or restrict movement. Elbow bursitis: inflammation of one of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint, is most noticeable at the tip of the elbow (the olecranon bursa) and often responds well to ice, compression and anti-inflammatory medication.
Warts and lipomas
Warts, caused by HPV, can occasionally appear on the elbow as small, grainy growths. A lipoma is a soft, doughy, slow-growing fatty lump beneath the skin, non-cancerous and usually harmless, though it can affect movement if it grows large.
Tumours
Rarely, a lump on the elbow can be a tumour. Synovial sarcoma is one of the more common soft tissue cancers found here, and basal cell carcinoma, a slow-growing skin cancer, can also form a lump around the joint. This is uncommon, but it is why a persistent or unexplained lump is always worth having assessed.
Disease-related causes
Lumps can also come from an underlying condition affecting the joint or skin, including gout, arthritis, psoriasis, cellulitis and other inflammatory or infective skin conditions. In these cases, treating the underlying condition usually resolves the lump.
02Signs and symptoms to watch for
Besides the lump itself, you might notice:
- Pain, tenderness or throbbing over or around the lump
- A visible change in the shape of the elbow
- Reduced range of motion in the elbow or forearm
- Redness, warmth or discolouration
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers
- Clicking or popping when you move the joint
- Weakness or a reduced grip
You might also have no symptoms beyond the swelling itself. This depends entirely on the type and cause of the lump.
03How an ultrasound scan helps
An elbow and forearm ultrasound scan gives a real-time, detailed picture of the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles that make up the joint, and can capture movement as it happens. It can identify:
- Tendonitis and tendinosis
- Fractures of the humerus, radius or ulna
- Tears in the ligaments or tendons
- Olecranon bursitis
- Bone dislocations or misalignment
- Nerve entrapment, such as cubital tunnel syndrome
- Tumours, cysts and lipomas
- Signs of arthritis
An elbow lump can look alarming, but ultrasound lets us see exactly what is underneath the skin, a cyst, a bursa, a knot of scar tissue, and explain it to you there and then.
Dr Shayan Ahmed, consultant radiologist
04What to expect during your scan
An elbow and forearm ultrasound is simple and painless, usually taking 20 to 30 minutes. There is no preparation required, although loose, short-sleeved clothing makes it easier, and it helps to leave jewellery at home.
- Welcome and history5 min
- Physical examination5 min
- Ultrasound scan20 min
- Findings and your plan10 min
View as table
| Part of the visit | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Welcome and history | about 5 minutes |
| Physical examination | about 5 minutes |
| Ultrasound scan | about 20 minutes |
| Findings and your plan | about 10 minutes |
Your specialist reviews the images as they scan and will usually be able to diagnose the cause of the lump immediately, generating an official report the same day. If the findings need further tests or treatment, this is arranged directly with you.
05What happens next
Proper diagnosis is the key to treating an elbow lump correctly, whatever the cause. A same-day ultrasound gives you that answer, along with tailored advice on what, if anything, to do next.