Which department should I see for a lump under the skin?

Name: Which department should I see for a lump under the skin?
Creator: Which Department
Published: 2026-09-16

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

General Surgery(외과) is typically the first department to evaluate a lump felt under the skin, as surgeons are trained to assess whether the mass requires removal or further investigation. Depending on the location, size, or characteristics of the lump, you may be referred to Dermatology(피부과), Orthopedics(정형외과), or another specialty for more targeted care.

Which department

1General Surgery(외과)
General surgeons are the primary specialists for lumps or masses beneath the skin, covering a wide range of causes such as lipomas, cysts, enlarged lymph nodes, and other soft-tissue growths. They assess whether a lump needs to be monitored, biopsied, or surgically removed, and can coordinate referrals if a different specialty is more appropriate. — First / second line: In general, visiting a local clinic(의원) with a general surgery department is a reasonable first step. If the lump is large, rapidly growing, or located deep in the body, the clinic physician may issue a referral letter(진료의뢰서) to a larger hospital(병원) for advanced imaging or procedures.
2Dermatology(피부과)
When the lump appears to originate from or be very close to the skin surface — such as a sebaceous cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, or skin tag — dermatologists are well-equipped to evaluate and manage it. Dermatologists specialize in skin-layer structures, which distinguishes their scope from general surgery in superficial cases. — First / second line: A dermatology clinic(의원) is often appropriate when the lump is clearly at skin level and accompanied by skin changes like redness, scaling, or discharge. General surgery or other specialties may still be consulted if deeper tissue involvement is suspected.
3Orthopedics(정형외과)
If the lump is located near a joint, bone, or tendon — for example, a ganglion cyst near the wrist or knee — orthopedic specialists have expertise in musculoskeletal soft-tissue masses. They can differentiate between benign structural causes and conditions that may affect joint function. — First / second line: An orthopedic clinic is worth considering when the lump is near a joint or causes limited movement or joint discomfort. Referral from a primary clinic is common if imaging of bone or deep soft tissue is needed.
4Internal Medicine(내과)
If swollen lymph nodes are suspected as the cause — particularly when accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss — internal medicine physicians can evaluate systemic causes and order relevant blood tests. They serve as a gateway to hematology or oncology if a systemic condition is considered. — First / second line: Visiting an internal medicine clinic first is reasonable when multiple lumps appear simultaneously or when general symptoms beyond the lump itself are present. The internist will generally determine whether referral to a specialist is needed based on initial findings.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

The lump grows very rapidly over days or a few weeks.
The skin over the lump becomes dark red, feels hot, or breaks open with discharge.
The lump is accompanied by high fever, severe chills, or spreading redness around it suggesting possible serious infection.
You notice significant unexplained weight loss, persistent night sweats, or extreme fatigue alongside the lump.
The lump causes sudden, severe pain or a feeling of something tearing in the area.

Before your visit

Note when you first noticed the lump and whether it has changed in size, shape, or texture since then.
Observe whether the lump is painful to touch, movable under the skin, or feels fixed to deeper tissue.
Check whether there are any skin changes directly over the lump such as redness, warmth, or discharge.
List any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as some can affect lymph nodes or tissue changes.
Recall any recent injuries, insect bites, infections, or illnesses near the area of the lump.
Bring any previous imaging results or medical records related to the same area, if available.

General principles

A lump under the skin can arise from many different structures — fat tissue, skin glands, lymph nodes, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, or other tissues — which is why the first consulting department is generally determined by the lump's location and surface characteristics. General Surgery(외과) tends to be the default starting point because surgeons can assess the full range of soft-tissue masses and facilitate referrals when a subspecialty is more appropriate.

In the Korean healthcare system, it is generally recommended to start at a local clinic(의원) before proceeding to a larger hospital(병원), as a referral letter(진료의뢰서) is typically required for secondary-care institutions and affects health insurance(건강보험) coverage. The clinic physician will usually gather a history, perform a physical examination, and decide whether imaging such as ultrasound is warranted before any further steps are taken.

When a lump is evaluated medically, the general clinical approach focuses on characteristics such as size, consistency, mobility, tenderness, depth, and how quickly it appeared — none of which can be self-assessed reliably without professional examination. Based on these findings, a doctor will determine the most appropriate next steps, which may include observation, imaging, or referral; no single approach applies to all lumps.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic or directly to a large hospital for a skin lump?

In general, starting at a local clinic(의원) is the recommended first step under the Korean healthcare system, as it is cost-effective under health insurance and the physician can assess urgency. If the clinic determines that advanced imaging or a specialist at a larger hospital is needed, they will issue a referral letter(진료의뢰서) accordingly.

How do I know if my lump is a dermatology issue or a surgery issue?

As a general principle, lumps that appear to be at or very near the skin surface with visible skin changes are often first seen by Dermatology(피부과), while lumps felt deeper under the skin or near muscles and joints tend to be evaluated by General Surgery(외과) or Orthopedics(정형외과). However, determining the precise origin is something a doctor assesses through physical examination, so consulting a physician rather than self-categorizing is advisable.

What kind of examination is generally done for a lump under the skin?

A doctor will typically start with a physical examination to assess the lump's characteristics before considering any imaging. Ultrasound is commonly used as an initial imaging tool for soft-tissue lumps in general medical practice, though the specific approach depends on the individual case and must be determined by the examining physician.

Does it matter if the patient is a child or an elderly person when choosing a department?

In children, enlarged lymph nodes are a relatively common finding after infections, and a pediatrician(소아청과의) may be consulted first alongside general surgery. In elderly patients, a new lump may prompt additional consideration of systemic factors, making internal medicine(내과) a reasonable first contact in some cases — though a doctor's assessment of the individual situation always guides the appropriate pathway.

Find a clinic (external directories)

External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).

Hospital directory by region (koreahospital.org)

This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.