How can you tell the difference between a malignant tumor and a benighn tumor?

Question

Without A cat scan or MRI , What are the charecteristics of both do they feel different do they do different things like shrink or expand do all malignant tumors hurt?

Answer 1

One way of telling (but not a 100%) if the tumor is hard and won't move that is a sign that you need to see a Dr. ASAP. If the tumor is mushy and moves around then it is proble benighn but either way you need to a dr. This only works if the tumor is in a place where you can feel it. I am a nurse and this is what I have heard Dr.'s say repeatedly to their patients. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

There isn't an easy answer to your question because there are different types of cancer, but here are some generalizations... "rules of thumb."

Malignant tumors grow, sometimes rapidly or in spurts.

Malignant tumors are typically firm and not tender to touch. Most do not hurt unless they are pressing on other structures or invading nerves, bones, etc.

Pain that is caused by a malignant tumor is typically constant and increasing over time unless treated (as opposed to typical aches and pains that are present one day and not the next).


Oncologists (my specialty) are never sure whether a tumor is benign or malignant until a tissue sample is examined by a pathologist.

Aloha

Answer 3

The difference between a malignant and a benign tumor is that benign ones stop growing after a while and don't spread out, but malignant tumors cause metastases in other parts of the body.

Answer 4

The only definitive way is to take a tissue sample & examine it microscopically. Scans can show the tumor & diagnoses may be proposed based on that evidence, but the only way to tell completely is with a tissue sample.

Answer 5

The only sure way is by a biopsy!

Answer 6

a biopsy is the only way

Answer 7

It has to be done by biopsy.

Answer 8

make this simple and go to the doc