whats the difference between a lesion and a nodule?

Question

my grandma is a cancer survivor she went in for her mamogram last year and it showed a 1 mm nodule and this year the mamogram showed a 7mm and 9.6mm lesion whats the difference between a lesion and a nodule?

its a hypoechoic lesion at the 11 oclock position af the outer quadrant

Answer 1

In this instance there is no difference. Most likely the mammograms were read by different radiologists. In a more general sense all nodules are lesions but not all lesions are nodules. Returning to your grandmother's mammogram. An important question is if the 1 mm nodule is now a 7 or a 9.6 mm nodule. That would be a concern. There are 25.4 mm to the inch. Thus the 9.6 mm nodule measures 0.38 inches. In addition to knowing their size and whether or not these areas are growing, it is important to know where they are in the breast. Nodules/lesions in the upper outer quadrant of the breast are generally of more concern. In addition - a description of the nodule would be helpful. Are the margins clearly defined? Does it have fingerlike projections? Are there tiny calcifications? This is the information that the radiologist uses to suggest that the nodules are benign, suspicious, or cancerous. I know this must be a great concern for you. Cancer is very frightening. I wish you and your grandmother the very best of health and may God bless.

Answer 2

In the mammogram probably no difference--it means an area of concern. Usually a nodule refers to a 3-dimensional area of growth (like an olive etc) Both in this case are referring to a "spot" that needs further testing.