Lump vs. Bump: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A lump is a mass or swelling within or under the skin, often signifying an abnormal growth, while a bump is a raised area on the surface, typically resulting from an impact or injury.
Key Differences
A lump generally refers to an abnormal growth or swelling, often noticed under the skin, and can be a sign of various medical conditions. In contrast, a bump is typically a raised area on the skin's surface, usually caused by an impact or collision with an object.
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Lumps are often associated with health concerns and may require medical attention to determine their cause, which could range from benign cysts to serious conditions like cancer. Bumps, on the other hand, are commonly encountered in everyday life due to minor accidents or injuries, and they are usually temporary and less concerning.
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The texture of a lump can vary from soft and movable to hard and fixed, depending on its underlying cause. Bumps, however, are generally firm and localized to the area of impact, often accompanied by redness or bruising on the skin.
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In terms of detection, lumps might be discovered during self-examination or medical screenings, highlighting the importance of regular health check-ups. Bumps are usually immediately noticeable following a minor injury and are often self-diagnosable.
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Treatment options for lumps depend on their cause; they can range from simple observation to surgical removal. Treatment for bumps is often straightforward, typically involving rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A swelling or growth under the skin
A raised area on the skin’s surface
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Cause
Often medical in nature (e.g., cysts, tumors)
Usually due to impact or injury
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Health Implication
May indicate a health concern
Usually minor and temporary
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Treatment
Varies widely, from observation to surgery
Often simple, like rest and over-the-counter remedies
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Lump and Bump Definitions
Lump
A compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape.
She felt a small lump of clay in her hand.
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Lump
A swelling under the skin, sometimes a sign of serious illness.
He was concerned about the lump on his neck.
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Bump
To encounter something by chance.
I bumped into an old friend at the store.
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Lump
A large amount or number of something.
They received a lump sum of money.
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Bump
To move something or someone to a higher or more important level or position.
She was bumped up to a managerial role.
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Lump
To put things together without careful consideration.
We shouldn't lump all these issues together.
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Bump
To shake up and down; jolt
Bumped the child on her knee.
Was bumped about on a rough flight.
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Bump
To deprive (a passenger) of reserved travel accommodations because of overbooking.
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Lump
Severe punishment or treatment, as a beating or an unsparing criticism
Take one's lumps.
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Bump
To hit or knock against something
Boxes bumping against one another in a truck.
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Bump
To proceed with jerks and jolts
Bumped along slowly over the rocky terrain.
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Lump
Something that protrudes, sticks out, or sticks together; a cluster or blob; a mound or mass of no particular shape.
Stir the gravy until there are no more lumps.
A lump of coal; a lump of clay; a lump of cheese
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Lump
A swelling or nodule of tissue under the skin or in an internal part of the body.
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Lump
A group, set, or unit.
The money arrived all at once as one big lump sum payment.
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Bump
(Sports) A pass in volleyball made by redirecting the ball with the inside of the forearms, especially when extended and held together.
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Lump
A small, shaped mass of sugar, typically about a teaspoonful.
Do you want one lump or two with your coffee?
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Bump
A small dose of an illegal drug, especially cocaine inhaled in powdered form.
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Lump
(transitive) To treat as a single unit; to group together in a casual or chaotic manner (as if forming an ill-defined lump of the items).
People tend to lump turtles and tortoises together, when in fact they are different creatures.
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Bump
(obsolete) One of the protuberances on the cranium which, in phrenology, are associated with distinct faculties or affections of the mind. Also the faculty itself
The bump of veneration; the bump of acquisitiveness
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Lump
(transitive) To bear (a heavy or awkward burden); to carry (something unwieldy) from one place to another.
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Bump
(rowing) The point, in a race in which boats are spaced apart at the start, at which a boat begins to overtake the boat ahead.
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Lump
(transitive) To burden (someone) with an undesired task or responsibility.
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Bump
(Internet) A post in an Internet forum thread made in order to raise the thread's profile by returning it to the top of the list of active threads.
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Bump
A temporary increase in a quantity, as shown in a graph.
US presidential nominees get a post-convention bump in survey ratings.
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Lump
A small mass of matter of irregular shape; an irregular or shapeless mass; as, a lump of coal; a lump of iron ore.
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Bump
(slang) A dose of a drug such as ketamine or cocaine, when snorted recreationally.
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Bump
(preceded by definite article) A disco dance in which partners rhythmically bump each other's hips together.
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Lump
A projection beneath the breech end of a gun barrel.
They may buy them in the lump.
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Lump
To throw into a mass; to unite in a body or sum without distinction of particulars.
The expenses ought to be lumped together.
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Lump
To take in the gross; to speak of collectively.
Not forgetting all others, . . . whom for brevity, but out of no resentment to you, I lump all together.
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Lump
To get along with as one can, although displeased; as, if he doesn't like it, he can lump it.
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Lump
A large piece of something without definite shape;
A hunk of bread
A lump of coal
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Bump
Music, especially played over speakers at loud volume with strong bass frequency response.
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Bump
(industrial relations) A reassignment of jobs within an organization (for example, when an existing employee leaves) on the basis of seniority.
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Bump
To move up or down by a step; displace.
I bumped the font size up to make my document easier to read.
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Bump
(Internet) To post in an Internet forum thread in order to raise the thread's profile by returning it to the top of the list of active threads.
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Lump
To tolerate or endure something, especially a situation.
You'll just have to lump the inconvenience for now.
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Bump
(transitive) To move (a booked passenger) to a later flight because of earlier delays or cancellations.
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Bump
(transitive) To pick (a lock) with a repeated striking motion that dislodges the pins.
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Bump
To displace (another employee in an organization) on the basis of seniority.
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Bump
(internet) Posted in an Internet forum thread in order to raise the thread's profile by returning it to the top of the list of active threads.
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Bump
To strike, as with or against anything large or solid; to thump; as, to bump the head against a wall.
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Bump
To make a loud, heavy, or hollow noise, as the bittern; to boom.
As a bittern bumps within a reed.
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Bump
A swelling or prominence, resulting from a bump or blow; a protuberance.
It had upon its browA bump as big as a young cockerel's stone.
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Bump
One of the protuberances on the cranium which are associated with distinct faculties or affections of the mind; as, the bump of "veneration;" the bump of "acquisitiveness."
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Bump
The act of striking the stern of the boat in advance with the prow of the boat following.
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Bump
Come upon, as if by accident; meet with;
We find this idea in Plato
I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day
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Bump
Dance erotically or dance with the pelvis thrust forward;
Bump and grind
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Bump
Assign to a lower position; reduce in rank;
She was demoted because she always speaks up
He was broken down to Sargeant
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Bump
Remove or force from a position of dwelling previously occupied;
The new employee dislodged her by moving into her office space
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Bump
To displace from a position or status.
He was bumped off the team due to poor performance.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How are lumps diagnosed?
Lumps are diagnosed through physical exams, imaging tests, and sometimes biopsies.
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Nov 20, 2023
What is a bump?
A bump is a raised area on the skin, typically due to impact or injury.
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How do you treat a bump?
Bumps can be treated with rest, ice, and pain relief. Severe cases might need medical attention.
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Are bumps usually serious?
Bumps are usually minor and resolve on their own, but severe cases should be evaluated.
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Are lumps common in children?
Yes, children can develop lumps, often benign, but any persistent lump should be checked by a doctor.
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Can a lump be cancerous?
Some lumps can be cancerous, but many are benign. Medical evaluation is essential.
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What causes bumps?
Bumps are often caused by impacts, injuries, or skin conditions like acne.
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What is a lump?
A lump is a mass or swelling, often under the skin, possibly indicating a health issue.
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Can stress cause bumps?
Stress can lead to skin reactions that cause bumps, such as hives or acne.
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Can lumps go away on their own?
Some lumps, like cysts, can resolve without treatment, but others may need medical intervention.
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Can a bump indicate an allergy?
Yes, bumps like hives can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
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Is a lump the same as a tumor?
A lump can be a tumor, but not all lumps are tumors. Tumors are specific types of growths.
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What increases the risk of developing lumps?
Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of lumps.
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Should I worry about a lump that moves?
Mobile lumps are often less concerning, but a medical check-up is recommended for any new lump.
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Can bumps bleed?
Bumps can sometimes bleed, especially if they are severe or if the skin is broken.
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Do lumps need surgery?
Some lumps may require surgical removal, but many can be managed with other treatments.
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What to do if a bump is painful?
If a bump is painful, especially if it worsens or doesn't improve, seek medical advice.
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Are lumps always visible?
Some lumps can be felt rather than seen, especially those beneath the skin.
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How long do bumps last?
Bumps from minor injuries usually resolve within a few days to a week.
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Can bumps turn into bruises?
Yes, bumps can lead to bruising, especially if there's significant impact or injury.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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