Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care if a lump is associated with severe breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden major weakness, uncontrolled bleeding, or another serious new symptom.
These are not typical features of a simple lipoma and need assessment for other causes.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek a prompt appointment if a lump:
Is growing quickly or clearly changing
Feels firm, fixed, or deep
Is larger than about 5 centimetres
Causes persistent or increasing pain
Returns after previous removal
Causes numbness, weakness, or restricted movement
Redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or worsening tenderness may indicate infection or inflammation and should also be assessed promptly.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment for a new lump, even if it feels soft and painless.
This is especially important if you are not sure how long it has been present.
Most lumps are not cancer, but examination is the safest way to decide whether testing is needed.
The article also says
A suspected lipoma is rarely an emergency.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lipoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.