If one finds a lump on the surface of his or her body, but beneath the skin (not a dermal lump, but subcutaneous), and it doesn't grow for a month, and it wasn't there two months ago, is that a good indicator that it's not a cancerous/malignant tumor?
For example, let's say you found a round, 2.5cm lump on the surface of your chest, but not part of the skin, and it hasn't grown for a month and it wasn't there before a month or two ago, can one be reasonably confident that it's not a malignant tumor? All of my research so far suggests that's the case.
2006-12-04 03:46:44 · 6 answers · asked by Mike 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I wanted to add that this question pertains to a lump that suddenly appears and the size is immediately measured and known and is known not to have grown for at least a month. Thanks.
2006-12-04 03:49:56 · update #1
I'd like to add that the lump referred to here is not providing any skin discoloration or other type of skin blemish, and it is round, hard, and fixed, has a smooth surface and regular edges, but it is not growing, and it hasn't been growing for at least a month (out of about 2.5 months now). Thanks.
2006-12-04 04:15:31 · update #2
Actually, assuming the opposite, that it's malignant in light of the fact that it's not growing, is wrong in my opinion. There's no need to cause anxiety when it's not warranted. Sure, it should be checked, but assuming it's malignant when it's known it hasn't grown is just unnecessary. And if a lump has grown superficially, how can one assume that it will grow beneath, posteriorly, and not superficially, anteriorly, anymore? It's pretty difficult to believe that a mass will grow one way and not the other. There's nothing restricting the lump to continue to grow superficially, so why would it stop if indeed it is not growing?
2006-12-04 05:19:51 · update #3
Chances are it is a cyst and that is not something to worry about, but it is always good to check with your doctor just ease your mind.
2006-12-04 04:09:10 · answer #1 · answered by Maizy * 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have a doctor evaluate the lump. It may be growing beneath the surface of the skin and you just can't feel it. You won't know whether it is benign or malignant until you have it examined.
And, no you cannot assume that it isn't malignant, just the opposite in fact. Until cancer is ruled out, try to assume that it is dangerous. The only reason I say this is that far too many people are unaware of how life threatening a tiny lump can suddenly become. Especially young people.
We ignored my 17 year olds complaints about feeling a lump in the abdomen because he looked so healthy. By the time we had it checked out it was already a stage IV.
Don't wait. Go have the lump checked out as soon as possible. Than you'll have facts instead of guesses to deal with no matter what it turns out to be.
Good luck.
2006-12-04 12:45:31 · answer #2 · answered by Panda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely have it checked. Any lump which has appeared and has not been noticed before should be checked. It is very possible that it is just a fatty lump but always best to have it checked. I have a lump on my thigh which I've had since teenage years and has never grew or bothered me. I have never had it checked, I know if I went to have it looked at they would cut it out. But as you have only noticed it for 2 months it's very difficult to say if it is growing or will grow more. It probably is as you say non malignant but for your own peace of mind get it checked out.
2006-12-04 11:58:48 · answer #3 · answered by koolkatt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll be fine.
I don't have a clue what I'm talking about, but here you are asking complete and total strangers to diagnose a thing they cannot even see, so being clueless is something we have in common.
You really should be talking to an oncologist, unless of course this is completely hypothetical - in which case I apologize for sounding like a jerk.
2006-12-04 11:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had several of these over my life...they were always abscesses...they either went away on their own or the doctor gave them a good whack with a book and then they went away. A couple of times they lanced them....more info at link below:
2006-12-04 12:02:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be cancer, if it is its benign, or it could be a wad of misplaced something, i know i had a lump develop in my arm, turns out it was a blood vessel making its way to the surface...
2006-12-04 11:54:53 · answer #6 · answered by Kain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋