What doctor to visit with a lump on the leg

[Sdk000]

Hi! I have small lump on the back side of my knee (like cyst of lipoma). What doctor should I visit, like a surgeon or internist? I'm not covered with a healthcare and don't have my primary care doctor, so I'm gonna be on my own.
Thanks in advance!

[SassyLassie]

Hello, I would see your primary GP first, if he/she thinks it needs a specialist, then you will be referred.

[GuitarRox]

First, it is probably nothing. I'd get a primary care established. You don't need an surgeon and an internist is typically a primary care doctor (they are usually general practitioners or internal medicine doctors). I'd first see if there is a primary general doctor you can get into with a first appointment to look at this. If not, then try urgent care (often a nurse practioner is the person you see at an Urgent Care but they are also trained to identify and treat things). Th problem is if you need a referral. This is when being established with a doctor is a good thing. this is not an emergency so do not go the ER. (waste of their time/ your money).

So, again. 1. look to see if there is a primary care doctor in your area taking new patients that you can go to quickly. If not, still make an appointment for down the road as having a primary doctor is important when things crop up like this so become an established patient. Usually only takes one visit to do that and then you go only if you need a physical or have an acute problem. and then 2. If you can't get in in a week or so, and you feel this is troubling, see an urgent care doctor.

Other specialties usually require a referral.  If you were going to go to a specialist, a dermatologist would be good. That's who treats this type of thing usually (including removing).

**If you don't need a referral, I guess you could start with a Dermatologist.

Take care

[Sdk000]

Thank you! That's all good. But each time you encounter a doctor, they can suck money from my pocket. Just wanted go straight to the right one.
Thank you anyway!